The 50 greatest NBA players of the 2020s (so far), ranked
By Cal Durrett
34) Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson hasn't fully lived up to expectations thus far in his career but he is still deserving of inclusion. After being taken 1st overall in 2019, he has played only 184 games thus far, though he has put up terrific numbers. With averages of 24.7 points on 59.2% shooting, as well as 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists, he has the numbers but still has plenty left to accomplish to live up to the hype.
His staying healthy is key, and that begins with him staying in shape. To his credit, in 2023–24, he played a career-high 70 games after losing some weight during the season, though he missed the playoffs. Even still, he is barely 24 years old and will have to improve.
As is, with two all-star appearances in the four seasons that he played and him being one of the most efficient high scorers in the NBA, that is more than good enough for him to rank 34th overall among the 50 greatest players of the decade so far. Looking ahead, Zion could just as easily crack the top-10 by the time the decade is all said and done.