Zion Williamson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Zion Williamson. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Zion Williamson is a professional basketball player currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. After playing for Duke University, he was drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA draft by the Pelicans. Williamson was selected for the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020 and became the fourth-youngest player named to an All-Star game in 2021. He plays the power forward position.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1983: Highest Scoring Average

Zion Williamson logged the highest scoring average through his first 24 career NBA games since Michael Jordan in 1983.

1992: Last Time Since Laettner

In March 14, 2019, Zion became the first Duke player to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals in a game since Christian Laettner did so in 1992.

2017: High School Season

For his 2017-18 high school season, Williamson was named to the USA Today All-USA first team and MaxPreps All-American second team.

2018: Ranked as Top Player

Entering his junior season in 2018, Zion Williamson was ranked the number one player in his class by recruiting service 247Sports, confirming his status as a top prospect.

January 2019: Named ACC Player of the Year

In January 2019, during his freshman season with Duke, Zion Williamson was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year, in addition to setting a single-game school scoring record for freshmen.

February 4, 2019: Named ACC Freshman of the Week

On February 4, 2019, Zion Williamson was named ACC Freshman of the Week for the fourth time and earned a National Player of the Week distinction from the Naismith Trophy.

2020: Named to NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2020, Zion Williamson was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, acknowledging his exceptional performance during his initial season in the league.

February 12, 2021: Career High 36 Points Against Mavericks

On February 12, 2021, Zion Williamson scored a then career-high 36 points in a 143–130 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks. He achieved this by making 14-of-15 shots from the field, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 30 points on 90 percent shooting.

February 23, 2021: NBA All-Star Game Selection

On February 23, 2021, Zion Williamson was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game.

2021: Selected to All-Star Game

In 2021, Zion Williamson became the fourth youngest NBA player to be selected for an All-Star game, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

October 4, 2022: Return From Injury

On October 4, 2022, Zion Williamson returned from injury, scoring 13 points, grabbing four rebounds, making one assist, and one steal in a 129–125 preseason win over the Chicago Bulls.

January 26, 2023: Selected for Second NBA All-Star Appearance

On January 26, 2023, Zion Williamson was selected for his second NBA All-Star appearance. However, due to his injury, he was later replaced by Anthony Edwards.

January 8, 2025: Return from Hamstring Strain

On January 8, 2025, Zion Williamson returned from an early season left hamstring strain. He scored 22 points in just under 28 minutes during a 104–97 loss to the Timberwolves.