As the season begins, one question might be on every man’s mind. Who will come out on top at the end of the prestigious MVP race? Over the years, the trend has changed rather constantly. At one time, the game was commanded by the centers. However, as the game has taken a more offensive stance, the guards have got their time to shine. Likewise, trusting in the next generation, according to the popular analyst, Stephen A Smith, Ja Morant, or Luka Doncic are taking the honors home this season.

As the NBA landscape shifts to the new era, the young stars of the league are making headlines. The coming generation took a huge stride forward in their takeover of the NBA last season. The likes of Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and Ja Morant have set the benchmark high. It’s clear that as time goes by, they might soon become the faces of the league.

But according to Smith, their time is now. Revealing his favorites for the Most Valuable Player award, the ESPN analyst strongly believes it is going to be a fight between Morant and Luka Magic.

Ja Morant or Luka Doncic, who is the most valuable?

As the MVP conversations opened up, Smith, who gets a vote for the award revealed his picks for 2023. And for him, it’s time for the rising stars to finally become superstars of the league. Notably, the 55-year-old believes the MVP trophy has Doncic’s name written all over it. However, his next favorite was Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant.

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Smith said: “I’m of the mindset it is going to be Luka Doncic. I just believe that.” He continued, “As phenomenal and great as Ja Morant is, I think it will be a close race between them two and others.”

Last season, both the Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks rose as Western Conference giants. Memphis rallied against the Warriors for six games despite Morant missing three games. Before his injury, he was on in his groove averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists per game.

On the other hand, Luka Doncic became the number one seed, Phoenix Suns’ nightmare. An iconic Game 7 performance was the headline of his playoff run as he fell just one step short of the NBA finals, falling to the same opponents. Now, after a few months off, they both are back, and with more power than before.

Both these stars have started the season in near-dream fashion. Morant seems to be on a rise despite his emphatic 2022 campaign. After a steep rise in the ranks, his determination to be the best on the planet looks clear. Ja Morant has scored 34 and 49 points in each of the two games so far. Moreover, his charisma to be big in the moments that matter is only amplified.

Doncic was trending for using the offseason to get in shape. And his return to action did not disappoint. What ended in a two-point loss, Luka Doncic showed off his complete arsenal. Amassing 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, the 23-year-old has shown clear improvement. Notably, his free throw stroke looked sweeter than ever converting all of his 13 attempts on the night.

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Now, both of Smith’s picks are just a couple of hours away from facing off. And with the hot start for both, nothing but a blockbuster of a matchup can be expected. Who do you think will come out on top in this next-generation battle? Let us know your views in the comments below.