Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic vaults into top 5: Still too low in ESPN rank

Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic vaults into top 5: Still too low in ESPN rank

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic took an incredible leap that few saw coming in his second NBA season. The Rookie of the Year transformed into a bonafide superstar. He became the third player in NBA history to average over 28 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists per game for an entire season. Doncic finished fourth in MVP voting and was named first-team All-NBA as he led the Mavs to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

The only question heading into year three is where can Luka go from here? Does he have another leap into the best player in the league in store? Will Doncic make a small jump that cements him as an unquestioned top five player? Fans will certainly be watching this season.

ESPN released their annual top 100 player rankings this week. Kristaps Porzingis checked in too low at 41. They released the top ten on Dec. 10 (subscription required), and Luka also ranked a bit too low. Let us take a look.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic leaps into top 5: Still too low in ESPN rank

Doncic checked at number four on the list. Over Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and many others. One of the players ranked ahead of him was Anthony Davis, though. Yes, the Lakers won the title, but that does not justify LeBron and AD being one and two in these rankings. Doncic should be ahead of Davis in the list.

It is a small quibble, but Doncic should be a top three player in the league this season. It will be Luka, Giannis, and LeBron in the MVP race as the three best superstars.

Fans will not want to miss a second of Dallas Mavericks basketball this season, so stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news, opinions, and analysis on your favorite team.