The most physically powerful young forward the NBA has ever seen — a force of nature when healthy.
Zion Lateef Williamson was born in Salisbury, North Carolina in 2000. New Orleans Pelicans selected him first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft after one extraordinary season at Duke University, where he became the highest-rated prospect since LeBron James. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2021 after missing his entire first season with a knee injury. He was selected to three All-Star games. At 6ft 6in and 285 pounds with point guard athleticism, his physical profile is unprecedented in NBA history. His efficiency — shooting above 60% from two-point range consistently, making him one of the most efficient scorers in the league — combined with his scoring average of 25.8 points per game shows his potential. His career has been severely impacted by injuries, particularly to his knee and foot. He has missed multiple full or partial seasons. When healthy, he is considered one of the two or three best players in the world. His combination of power, quickness and scoring touch makes him unmatchable when he is on the floor, and his per-game averages reflect sustained excellence across the minutes he has played.
Explosive athleticism and powerful dunking ability
How They Played
Athletic power forward with exceptional finishing ability
Lasting Impact
Dynamic power forward known for incredible vertical leap and strength
All-Star 3x
Career Honours
- All-Star 3x
- All-NBA Second Team
- Rookie of the Year