Former Rockets’ Coach Explains Why Luka Doncic is a Favorite for becoming the MVP of 2020-21 NBA season
Follow Us
via Getty
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 29: Luka Doncic (77) of the Dallas Mavericks takes the court against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
When the Dallas Mavericks traded with the Hawks to bring 19-year-old Luka Doncic, no one expected the meteoric rise of the Slovenian in the NBA.
Fast forward to 2020, he has become the favorite to win the MVP title for the upcoming season. He has backed up his reputation with 28.8 points, 8.8 assists and 9.4 rebounds in the 2019-20 regular season.
Jeff Van Gundy weighs in on Luka Doncic
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, in his recent appearance in ESPN’s KJZ, gave his two cents on who he thinks will be the MVP. Van Gundy said, “I think Giannis will be on for a three peat, that would be my guess. Unless the media gets tired of voting him as MVP, because it’s a regular season award. Obviously James will be up there, Davis may well be too.”
Trending
Shaq: “First Time I Ever Got Killed” Was by 7 ft College Basketball Legend From LSU
April 15, 2024 05:54 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Nate Robinson’s Tragic Situation Receives Genuine Moment of Empathy from Stephen A. Smith
April 14, 2024 10:18 PM EDT
Gilbert Arenas Exposes Ice Cube’s Big 3’s Financial Problems Amid $5 Million Offer to Caitlin Clark
April 15, 2024 02:51 PM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Van Gundy also explained why is Doncic considered as an MVP candidate. “Because he has the ball in his hands so much and Dallas is really good, I think he is gonna have the benefit of being a high usage player at a high level. Plus, they are going to win enough to get that type of recognition.”
Doncic and co. will start their season against the Phoenix Suns on December 23 and then will face an acid test against the Lakers in a Christmas day game.
Can ‘The Duke’ become the youngest MVP in the NBA?
The 21-year-old star has already become arguably the best young player in the NBA. He has made the Mavericks a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Doncic could break all kinds of records in his career. He was the youngest player to make his debut for the Real Madrid Basketball, and was also the youngest MVP in EuroLeague’s history.
Given the rise he has seen in his output in the last two years, Doncic might end up averaging a 30 point triple double. He was much more impressive in the playoff series against the Clippers as he averaged 31 points, 8.7 assists and 9.8 rebounds.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
At the start of the 2020-21 season, the Mavs will be without their other star, Kristaps Porzingis. The absence of Porzingis might be an enormous blow for them, but they will be confident that Doncic can save the day.
If their new additions step up and if the Mavs can be a top team in the Conference in a condensed NBA season, we might see Doncic become the youngest MVP in NBA history, surpassing Derrick Rose.
Written by:
