The Impact Of Zion Williamson's Injury On His Career And College Basketball

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When Duke's Zion Williamson injured his knee less than a minute into a game against North Carolina, the whole basketball world went crazy. We had seen Williamson perform various unthinkable feats on the basketball court, such as hitting his head against a backboard while blocking a shot and even completely denting a basketball. Now, we have witnessed something else astonishing: his foot bursting right through his shoe. This incident not only shocked fans but also raised significant concerns about his future in basketball.

Immediately following the injury, many turned their attention to college basketball, with NBA star DeMarcus Cousins suggesting that Williamson should sit out the remainder of the season to prevent any further injury and protect his draft stock. While Cousins' advice holds some merit, it's essential to recognize that playing at Duke has undeniably made Williamson millions of dollars. The media spotlight on him has amplified his visibility and marketability.

The Blue Devils, under Williamson's influence, achieved an impressive record of 26-5 during the regular season. Out of 31 games played, 28 were broadcasted on an ESPN network. This means that 24 out of 26 games, a staggering 92 percent, were nationally televised on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU. For many, this was their first real opportunity to see Williamson in action, leading to a surge of interest in his potential as a future NBA star.

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Despite the injury, Williamson is still a strong contender to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. This could land him a four-year rookie contract valued at approximately $33.7 million, according to the current NBA rookie salary scale. Moreover, NBA rookies can earn up to 120 percent of that scale, meaning Williamson's earnings could exceed $40.4 million in his first four seasons, averaging more than $10 million per year.

As the salary cap is set to rise next season, Williamson could see an even more lucrative starting deal, potentially ranging from $45 million to $50 million. While he could have opted for the G-League to gain experience against players with NBA potential, he would have only made $35,000 this season. The upcoming G-League salary increase to $125,000 per year starting in the 2019-20 season adds complexity to his decision.

Another alternative was heading overseas to play in European leagues for a seven-figure salary. While this option is tempting—especially for an 18-year-old—going overseas might have diminished Williamson's reputation. Players like Brandon Jennings and Emmanuel Mudiay chose this route, playing in Italy and China respectively, and while they had decent NBA careers, one must wonder if they would have received more exposure by staying in college.

In Williamson's situation, the evidence leans towards the benefits of playing college basketball. With nearly all his games televised nationally, he has gained significant recognition, and the experience of playing in an electrifying environment like Cameron Indoor Stadium is invaluable. The NBA has recently discussed potentially reinstating the rule that allows players to jump straight from high school to the league, which could result in fewer star players remaining in college. Thus, it’s crucial to appreciate these remarkable talents while they are still on the collegiate stage, as the added attention can only benefit them in their future endeavors.