After suffering through the season in silence, Luka Doncic is now breaking through. He kept the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference and posted great numbers, but he was benched to start the 2023–24 season. Jason Kidd, head coach of the Mavericks, provided a brilliant summary of Luka Doncic’s case for most valuable player in his analysis of the situation.
Kidd made the comment following Saturday’s practice, “I don’t think you’re gonna win the MVP in October, November, or December.” And he meant it. “In my opinion, the months of February, March, and April are when you’re most likely to win it. He’s really set himself up to be the MVP.”
In terms of numbers, Luka is unrivalled. With a field goal percentage of 49.2 and a three-point percentage of 37.9, the Mavs superstar is leading the league in scoring at 34.3 points per game. Along with his 8.8 boards, 9.6 assists, and 1.5 steals a game, he is also doing admirably.
According to Mavericks guard Josh Green, Luka’s averages are absolutely outrageous. Green made the comment following Saturday’s practice.
“I see no grey area here…” To put it bluntly, Green thought Doncic’s averages were absurd. “Standard deviations are absurd— It seems to me that this year Luka’s game has improved in every way. In his role as leader, he has excelled tremendously. Be honest with me; I don’t think this is the end. It is encouraging to see that he is highly motivated.
Luka has been the subject of nothing but praise from the Mavericks this whole season. However, Luka was not previously getting nearly as much coverage in the national media. In the last seven days, that has evolved.
Luka Doncic’s case for MVP is now getting the respect it deserves.
Over the past week, several members of the national media have gushed about how amazing Luka is. Recently, ESPN included an example from Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA player.
An athlete who lacks LeBron James’s athleticism is Luka Doncic, according to Perkins. Talking about dominating the game and making your opponents cower is a great way to win. This dude will not be stopped no matter what you do. When Luka takes off, nobody can stop him but himself.
As far as we can tell, Perkins is far from the only analyst who has recently sent Luka flowers. When the dust settles, will Doncic be the NBA MVP?
Nikola Jokic, who is friends with Doncic, is one of the favourites. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a star for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has also solidified his status as a genuine MVP contender. Also mentioned is Jayson Tatum, a top player for the Boston Celtics.
The fate of Luka’s chances is probably tied to Dallas’s final placing. Doncic has fantastic numbers, but Luka will have a tough time winning MVP if the Mavericks don’t finish in the top six of the Western Conference and the other MVP candidates win their respective conferences.
Lucky for us, the Mavericks are currently a top NBA club. On Thursday, the Mavs beat the Suns, extending their winning streak to seven games. Additionally, PJ Washington Jr. and Daniel Gafford, whom they acquired in a trade at the deadline, have been instrumental.
Kyrie Irving’s importance, too, must not be disregarded. When he’s healthy, he’s been an amazing Mavericks co-star.
The Mavs are on an upward trajectory, and Luka Doncic has assistance. While a lot may happen in the next months, Doncic is now in a strong position to win most valuable player.