On June 20, 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans drafted Williamson with the first pick in the 2019 NBA draft.[111][112][113] On July 1, 2019, Williamson officially signed with the Pelicans.[114] Williamson tore his meniscus on October 13, 2019, during the preseason of his rookie campaign.[115] Williamson made his professional debut three months later on January 22, 2020, in a 121–117 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He played 18 minutes and finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds, scoring 17 consecutive