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. A power forward, he gained prominence during his single season with the Duke Blue Devils, leading to him being drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA draft. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020 and became an All-Star in 2021. His career has been impacted by injuries.

Sections (4)

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

2017: All-USA First Team

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

November 6, 2018: Duke Debut

On November 6, 2018, in his first regular-season game with Duke, Zion Williamson scored 28 points in a 118–84 win over Kentucky, breaking the Duke freshman debut scoring record with teammate RJ Barrett.

January 2019: Duke Scoring Record

In January 2019, Zion Williamson set the single-game school scoring record for freshmen while playing for Duke.

February 4, 2019: ACC Freshman of the Week

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

2019: NCAA Tournament Debut

For the 2019 NCAA tournament, official broadcast partner CBS specifically devoted a camera called the "Zion Cam" to record Williamson throughout the tournament. Also in 2019, Williamson joined Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis as one of the only freshmen in history to collect 500 points, 50 steals, and 50 blocks in a season.

2020: NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2020, Zion Williamson was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

February 12, 2021: Career High 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 finished the game on 14-of-15 shooting from the field, making him the youngest player in NBA history with 30 points on 90 percent shooting.

February 23, 2021: NBA All-Star Selection

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

2021: NBA All-Star Selection

In 2021, Zion Williamson was selected to an All-Star game, becoming the fourth-youngest NBA player to achieve this honor.

October 4, 2022: Return From Injury

On October 4, 2022, Zion Williamson made his return from injury, putting up 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in a 129–125 preseason win over the Chicago Bulls.

January 26, 2023: Second NBA All-Star Appearance

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

January 8, 2025: Return From Hamstring Strain

On January 8, 2025, Zion Williamson made his return from an early season left hamstring strain, scoring 22 points in just under 28 minutes in a 104–97 loss to the Timberwolves.