Mavericks: Luka Doncic named top player on rookie contract by The Athletic

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic named top player on a rookie contract by The Athletic

The Dallas Mavericks traded up in the 2018 NBA Draft for Luka Doncic. It cost them two first round picks but was worth every penny and more. Doncic was the runaway Rookie of the Year before having a superstar breakout in his second NBA season.

Luka is averaging 28.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game this year. The only other players in NBA history to put up over 28 points, nine rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game are Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. Nobody has ever done it as a 21-year-old. Doncic finding himself in with historic company should come as no surprise for Mavs fans.

Luka is also leading the Mavericks to the best offensive rating in NBA history. Let that sink in. The 2019-2020 Mavs are better than any of Michael Jordan’s Bulls teams. They top the Warriors featuring Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. No team in league history has a better offensive rating. Doncic is special.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic earns The Athletic’s top spot in rookie contract ranks

The Athletic ranked the best NBA players on a rookie scale contract on June 25 (subscription required). Luka Doncic unsurprisingly topped that list. They put two other players in his tier, but I’d argue it is not close. Luka is historically great and continues to transform his teammates into better versions of themselves. That is truly special.

Count me in on watching Doncic ball anytime. The 21-year-old is not just the incredible stats. He is a blast to watch. Luka can get anywhere he wants on the court and teams cannot stop him. They are struggling to just slow him down at this point. Mavericks fans are in for a fun ride with number 77 leading the way, so keep it locked right here.