Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle sees a young Shaq in New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson.

Through his first 16 NBA games, Zion has been a monster on both ends of the floor for New Orleans. He’s averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 58.8 percent from the field, 41.7 percent from beyond the arc and 64.2 percent from the free-throw line.

The Pelicans are 8-8 with Williamson in the lineup and 26-35 overall on the season. They are in 12th place in the Western Conference standings.

NBA fans are hoping the Pelicans make the playoffs. Everyone wants to see Williamson play on the NBA’s biggest stage.

There is no doubt Zion is the most hyped player in the NBA since LeBron James came into the league back in 2003. So far, the Pelicans youngster has shown the potential to dominate the league for the next decade or so, especially if he stays healthy.

Williamson’s powerful dunks are already breaking backboards and he is flying through the air just like Michael Jordan did with the Chicago Bulls. The fact that Williamson is signed with Jordan Brand and wearing Jordan’s while dunking just feels right.

The No. 1 overall pick in last summer’s NBA draft, Williamson averaged 25.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in February, winning the Rookie of the Month Award for Western Conference rookies. It would be a great story if Zion is able to lead the Pelicans to the postseason after missing the beginning of the season due to his knee surgery.