After being named Rookie of the Year in 2019, Luka Doncic has given modern-day basketball fans every reason to believe why he deserves to be the MVP. The 23-year-old has been carrying the Dallas Mavericks on his shoulders for multiple seasons, and now in the 2022-23 season, the Slovenian has picked another gear. As a result, he is one of the leading candidates for the MVP honor.
Doncic is averaging 34.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists at a career-high efficiency rate of 49.9% from the field and 35.5% from behind the arc. While the Slovenian is doing his best to win the highest individual honor in the league, stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), and Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) are not far behind.
So, one might want to keep a close eye on their competitors just to understand how well they need to perform to put forward their best claim in the KIA MVP rankings. Unfortunately, that is not the case with this Dallas Mavericks sensation, as he unapologetically buried all theories upon the same.
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Luka Doncic reveals honest feelings on the NBA MVP race
The MVP accolade signifies strong game acumen and understanding of those who win it. The top candidates need to keep an eye out for each other to study their rivals feverishly, to polish and improve their own game and individual numbers.
As far as Luka Doncic is concerned, the 23-year-old stud barely looks after what is happening in the NBA. Let alone the MVP race. When Doncic was asked about his fellow MVP candidates via Landon Thomashe replied, “Not really. I watch some NBA games, but I watch more Euroleague than NBA. But if it is a really good NBA game on TV, I will watch it.”
What place does Luka Doncic hold in MVP rankings?
Following a decorated career in Europe, Luka Doncic has shown why he is one of the greatest foreign players ever to have embraced the NBA. Chasing his first-ever MVP trophy, Doncic has the 2nd most triple-doubles this season behind reigning MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
However, as the season approaches the New Year mark, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is leading the MVP race with +270 odds, according to PointsBet. He is followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo (+300) in the second and Luka Doncic (+450 in the third spot).
Moreover, the Dallas Mavericks are 8-2 in their previous 10 showdowns, primarily due to Luka Doncic’s extraordinary heroics. This concerned team is 4th in the Western Conference and just .025 behind the New Orleans Pelicans.
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