Zion Williamson’s career in the NBA has not gone the way many expected.
Williamson became a sensation during his days playing for the Duke Blue Devils. His explosive play style and highlight reel garnered the attention of non-college basketball fans. This would only create more anticipation and hype for his eventual transition into the NBA
Many predicted Williamson to be the next face of the league after LeBron James. The New Orleans Pelicans drafted him first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft with the belief he would turn the franchise around.
Unfortunately for the Pelicans and NBA fans, they would have to wait for Williamson’s arrival. He would miss the first half of the 2019-20 season with a torn meniscus. He would not make his debut until January of that season.
In his debut against the San Antonio Spurs, Williamson put up 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in just 18 minutes of play. 17 of those 22 points came in the fourth quarter in the span of three minutes. However, the Pelicans would lose to the Spurs 121-117.
Despite the loss, Williamson made a statement in his first game. The future seemed bright for the young star in New Orleans.
The league continued to push Williamson as the future face of the league. After just his rookie season, 2K Sports announced that Williamson would be the cover athlete for NBA 2K21.
In his sophomore season, Williamson was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. He averaged 27 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
During the 2021 offseason, Williamson suffered a right foot fracture. This would keep him out for the entire 2021-22 season.
The Pelicans would go on to sign Williamson to a five-year extension. New Orleans seemed to be all in on their young star as they were committed to building the team around him.
The former Duke forward bounced back with an All-Star nod in the 2022-23 season. However, he injured his hamstring in January and missed the rest of the year.
The 2023-24 saw Williamson play 70 games, the most in his career. In a crucial play-in game against the Lakers, Williamson scored 40 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Things seemed to be getting back on track for Williamson, until he suffered yet another injury in the game’s final minutes.
Injuries continue to derail Williamson’s career. Whenever he is on the court, he dominates. But he is off the court more than he is on it.
Williamson’s lack of availability has caused New Orleans to question the direction they are going in. Trade rumors involved Williamson’s name, but the Pelicans decided to stay committed to their star for the time being.
The Pelicans are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference and are guaranteed to land a top pick in the 2025 draft. They can potentially land another future star to pair alongside Williamson.
What once seemed like an inevitable legendary career for Zion Williamson may be turning into another what-if scenario. Fans are hoping that Williamson turns it around and proves that all the hype six years ago was justified.
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