The 5 worst moments of Zaon Williamson’s NBA career, ranked

After being heavily emphasized in the amateur ranks, Zion Williamson hasn’t lived up to expectations since stepping foot in the NBA. Many believed it Williamson was a generational talent from Duke University. As a result, New Orleans Pelicans selected him first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. So far, the 6-foot-6 power forward has earned a rookie selection combined with a pair of All-Star Game appearances. But unfortunately, his availability due to weight problems and injuries has been put on hold than in the hot seat. Check out the gallery to see the five worst moments of Williamson’s NBA career.

5. Exiting the Play-In game against the Lakers (2024)

Facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 Play-In Tournament, Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans had a golden opportunity to book one of the final playoff spots. Williamson was dominant early on, as he had an incredible outing, scoring 40 points on 17-of-27 shooting from the field. He also added 11 rebounds. However, the Pelicans’ worst fears came true at the wrong time.

The two-time NBA All-Star experienced leg pain in the final three minutes of the crucial contest. Williamson’s exit left New Orleans vulnerable, as Los Angeles took advantage of the runaway victory with a 110-106 victory. Although the Pelicans were able to take care of business against the Sacramento Kings to clinch the final playoff spot, Williamson missed out on the 2024 NBA Playoffs as they were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. If not for the injury, everyone would be looking forward to his playoff debut.

4. Left hamstring stretch (2024)

After a 70-game season, fans expected Williamson to finally be released. However, just 10 games into the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-6 forward has already suffered a left hamstring strain. The injury only added to the Pelicans’ woes, as the team already had a string of injuries to its key players.

To make matters worse, Williamson was only able to play 30 games in the regular season. His absence only added further doubts about his legitimacy as a franchise player. Having become rarely available for New Orleans, it wasn’t surprising that Williamson’s name was floating around in trade rumors.

3. Right hamstring strain (2023)

In regards to Williamson’s left hamstring, the Pelicans star actually injured his right hamstring during the 2022-23 season. He originally had a breakout season, averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game to earn his second All-Star nod. However, a right hamstring strain once again prevented him from unlocking his full potential.

In a 120-111 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Williamson had 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists before suffering the injury on the fast break. As a result, he was forced to miss the rest of the year. In total, the former first choice could only appear in 29 games that year. Of course, without him, the Pelicans also missed the 2023 NBA playoffs.

2. Broken Foot (2021)

Of all the injuries Williamson has suffered, it’s safe to say the biggest one occurred during the summer of 2021. Early in the offseason, Williamson reportedly broke his foot in practice. Although he was expected to return for the 2021-22 season, complications arose during the recovery process of his foot, forcing Williamson to go under the knife once again.

At the end of the day, the Pelicans star missed the entire 2021-22 season. To make matters worse, the Pelicans did really well to make it all the way to the playoffs, even in his absence. Unfortunately, with Williamson out, New Orleans ran out of gas and conceded to the Phoenix Suns in six games during the first round of the playoffs. The franchise has made the playoffs twice since drafting Williamson. However, the All-Star wing center has yet to appear in a single playoff game in his career due to injuries.

1. Civil action

With everyone questioning Williamson’s status as a franchise centerpiece, things took an unexpected turn for the worse during the 2025 offseason. The Pelicans forward was accused of rape and domestic abuse in a civil lawsuit by a woman he had previously been in a relationship with. Of course, Williamson’s camp denied the allegations, stating that the allegations were completely false, with the prosecutor attempting to force the situation for financial resources.

Regardless of whether Williamson is guilty or not, such a heavy legal burden only hurts his career further. With his reputation already in limbo, the Pelicans star doesn’t need another off-court question to convince the front office to finally move on from him. Fortunately for Williamson, the Pelicans top brass, including Gayle Benson and Joe Dumars, appear to be keeping their support for the former No. 1 overall pick, at least for now. Regardless, Williamson will have his hands full with legal defense in addition to trying to stay on the court on a consistent basis.