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Zion Williamson Second Only to Michael Jordan in This Illustrious NBA Achievement

Zion Williamson has been on an absolute tear lately. The Pelicans star, after an injury-riddled debut season, is showcasing himself to be the player who entered not just as the Number 1 pick in the draft, but also the most-hyped player since LeBron James.

On Wednesday, New Orleans Pelicans lost 106-116 to the Knicks. However, Zion continued to shine brightly on a personal level, despite the loss. He scored 25 points to go with 8 rebounds and 7 assists. And with that, he joined Michael Jordan in an illustrious achievement.

This was Zion’s 74th career NBA game. In those 74 games, he’s added 1880 points to his name. That is second only to Michael Jordan, who had 2067 points in that number of games.

NBA legend Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan playing baseball for the Birmingham Barrons in the Arizona Fall League, early 1994 (Photo by Scott Clarke/WireImage)

So, Zion has now scored the second-most points after 74 games in the last 50 seasons of the NBA. He is now ahead of other legends of the game, like LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal.

Zion Williamson compared to Michael Jordan by former NBA player

This isn’t the first time that Zion has put his name alongside Michael Jordan. He’s done it before this season, and with the way he’s playing, he’ll keep doing it. And players who played alongside Jordan can also see the similarities in their game.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson
Jan 30, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots while defended by Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) in the third quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Rex Chapman had a decent NBA career and went toe-to-toe with MJ in the late 80s and the 90s. The domination that Zion shows around the rim, Rex also saw it in Michael Jordan. Though the Bulls star also developed a ferocious jump shot, players currently in the NBA make life difficult for Zion since his jump shot isn’t as lethal.

“I just hope he stays healthy because he’s a generational type of player,” said Rex Chapman.

“At some point, Zion will become a serviceable shooter of the basketball, just like Michael Jordan did. We all played off Michael and made him make shots. Then if he makes two or three, you would get up on him. That’s the way they play Zion now.”

Zion Williamson’s career trajectory is looking very positive right now. But, he has to continue to improve his game and expand his skill, so as to not become a one-dimensional player.

Read MorePelicans’ Zion Williamson Surpasses LeBron James and Luka Doncic in Historic NBA Record

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