Zion Williamson had a sensational freshman season at Duke, winning the NCAA's Wooden Award for best overall player. He isn’t even 19 years old yet, but his life just drastically changed. The New Orleans Pelicans made Williamson the number one pick in this year’s NBA Draft – and now he’s going to get paid.
Williamson is projected to make $20 million over his first two years in the league. However, NBA first-round picks have team options on the final two years of their deals. Unless Williamson flames out spectacularly quickly, the Pelicans are going to pick up those additional two seasons.
Thanks to the NBA salary cap rising to $109 million this upcoming season, that means Williamson will make about $45 million over his first four years in the league. The rookie pay scale adjusts annually based on the total salary cap.
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And that’s just on the court. Williamson is going to be highly recruited by the major apparel companies. Nike is the favorite – Williamson wore Nikes in college and famously burst through one of their shoes during a game – but Adidas and Reebok will likely drive up the price of Williamson’s endorsement. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Williamson get a shoe deal in the neighborhood of $100 million.
That’s potentially $145 million Williamson can make before he’s in his mid-twenties. The Pelicans moved up in the draft lottery last month, snagging the number one pick with just a six percent chance to do so. They traded disgruntled superstar Anthony Davis just a few days ago, officially welcoming the era of Zion. The Pelicans also received the No. 4 pick in the draft, though they traded that pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Jaxson Hayes, the No. 8 pick.
The NBA Draft is always an exciting time. Teams across the league have high hopes, looking forward to better times ahead. And for Williamson, those better times are going to include plenty of dollar signs.
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Biography of Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson was born on July 6, 2000, in Salisbury, North Carolina. He grew up in a basketball-loving family, which helped him develop his skills from a young age. Williamson attended Duke University, where he quickly became a household name due to his incredible athleticism and skill on the court.
| Full Name | Zion Lateef Williamson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 6, 2000 |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 284 lb (129 kg) |
| College | Duke University |
| Drafted | 1st Overall Pick, 2019 NBA Draft |
Career Highlights
Williamson's career took off during his time at Duke, where he showcased his remarkable talent in front of NBA scouts. His explosive dunks and ability to score from anywhere on the court made him a standout player. After being selected by the Pelicans, Williamson quickly became a key player, impressing fans and analysts alike with his performances.
Throughout his rookie season, he averaged impressive stats, demonstrating why he was the first overall pick. His combination of strength, speed, and skill has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in NBA history.
Financial Overview
Williamson's financial future looks incredibly bright. As mentioned, he is projected to earn around $45 million during his initial four years in the NBA. In addition to his playing contract, his endorsements are expected to add significantly to his earnings, potentially exceeding $100 million.
This financial success at such a young age puts Williamson in a rare category of athletes who have the potential to build substantial wealth before even reaching their mid-twenties. His marketability has attracted the attention of major brands, eager to partner with the rising star.
Future Prospects
As Williamson continues to develop his skills and gain experience in the NBA, his future looks promising. Fans and analysts are excited to see how he will perform in the upcoming seasons and whether he can lead the Pelicans to playoff success.
With his talent and determination, there’s no doubt that Williamson will remain a key figure in the league for years to come. The combination of his on-court abilities and potential off-court earnings makes him one of the most intriguing young players to watch.
Final Thoughts
Zion Williamson's journey from college basketball star to NBA sensation has captured the attention of sports fans around the world. With his impressive skills and potential for financial success, it is clear that he is just getting started. The future is bright for Williamson, and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next!
