Looking at Zion Williamson's performance in just his second NBA season, it is safe to say the New Orleans Pelicans have a future MVP in the fold.

Williamson further proved that he's on a different league compared to his peers on Saturday after dropping 37 points, nine rebounds and eight dimes in the Pelicans' 140-136 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. More amazing is the fact that Zion finished on 14-0f-17 shooting, making him just the second player over the last 20 seasons to make at least 35-8-8 while shooting 80 percent from the field.

The other player to do it? Denver Nuggets  superstar and 2020-21 MVP favorite Nikola Jokic, per Stat Muse.

While Zion Williamson is still an incomplete player and difficult to compare to The Joker, the fact that he was able to accomplish such feat speaks volume about his potential.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Kings and Pelicans logo on fire next to NBA Play-In logo, Warriors logo in background

Christopher Smith ·

NBA Playoffs Primer: With Zion Williamson and Jimmy Butler injuries, Jontay Porter banned, and Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins with question marks

Brett Siegel ·

Willie Green asking "Who is with us next season?" David Griffin replying "I don't know."

Chris Dodson ·

Sure, his offensive repertoire seems to be lacking aside from those attack to the baskets and occasional 3-point shots, but he is really effective utilizing the weapons he has. Even Giannis Antetokounmpo found success in attacking the rim and muscling his way for points–even without a reliable jump shot!

If Zion continues to walk down the path he is taking and improve all other facets of his game, he'll be an unstoppable force that will be a nightmare matchup for any defender. Should he be able to continue to make plays and stay efficient on the offensive end, it might not be long before he's included in the MVP conversation.

For now, Zion will be focusing on keeping the Pelicans in contention for the playoffs–likely through the play-in tournament. However, watch out for this 20-year-old kid who could be a perennial MVP candidate.