One of the most interesting bits coming out of the All-Star Game reserves announcement is the fact that New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has been named as a reserve for the West. The 20-year-old's most recent achievement makes him one of the youngest players in history to have been named as an All-Star, joining the likes of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
This comes via Marc J. Spears of ESPN:
Pelicans forward @Zionwilliamson, 20, is set to become the fourth-youngest player to play in the NBA All-Star Game, behind Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Magic Johnson.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) February 24, 2021
The late, great Kobe Bryant holds the distinct record of being the youngest ever All-Star. In 1998, a 19-year-old Kobe was invited to participate in his first of many All-Star Games in just his second season in the league. Similarly, LeBron was an All-Star in his sophomore year at 20 years of age. Another Lakers great in Magic Johnson was also just 20 years young when he made his All-Star debut.
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and now, Zion Williamson. What a trio of names Zion joins here.
Williamson has been nothing short of tremendous for the Pelicans in what is just his second year as a pro. In his first 29 games of the season, Williamson has put up averages of 25.1 points on a historic 61.6 percent shooting, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. There is little doubt that the former Duke standout has done enough to earn a coveted spot in the All-Star team.
As always, though, these announcements don't come without controversy. A few names were left off the All-Star squad as well, with guys like Devin Booker and Mike Conley standing out. There are surely more than a few folks out there that will argue that either of the two deserved a spot over the Pelicans star.
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