New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson became the fourth-youngest player chosen for an NBA All-Star Game.
Only three other players, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, were younger than the 20-year-old Williamson to play in their first All-Star Game.
Six other 20-year-olds were chosen for past All-Star games, but they were all closer to their 21st birthday than Zion.
Injury kept Williamson from potentially making last year’s All-Star contest during his rookie season.
The second-year forward out of Duke is averaging 25.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists this season for the 13-17 Pelicans, who are a game and a half behind Memphis for the eighth spot in the Western Conference.
The six-foot-seven Williamson is one of four first-time All-Stars playing in this year’s game scheduled for March 7 in Atlanta.
Reserves were voted in by league head coaches.
Chris Paul will be playing in his 11th All-Star game, and James Harden will be playing in his ninth.
Zion joins fellow All-Star rookies the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, the New York Knicks’ Julius Randle, and Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.
Rounding out the reserves are Philadelphia 76er Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum from the Celtics, Orlando Magic’s Nikola Vucevic, Los Angeles Laker Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Clipper Paul George, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz, and Damian Lillard with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Team captains LeBron James and Kevin Durant will choose their lineups next week, and the rosters will be announced on March 4.
Starter were voted by fans, players, and media.
The 70th Annual NBA All-Star Game, along with a skills challenge, 3-point shot, and dunk contest, will be held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
The announcement was made despite many high profile players, including LeBron James, expressing their concern for holding the event during the on-going coronavirus pandemic.
