Why do the Dallas Mavericks never get the respect they deserve?

Dallas Mavericks get disrespected because Luka Doncic is not viewed as a top-five player

Doncic has been first-team All-NBA for three straight years, and he finished five, sixth, and fourth in MVP voting. He has consistently been one of the five best players for three straight years, and the 23-year-old just made his case for being the best. Of the other top names, only Stephen Curry and Luka reached the conference finals last season, but yet Doncic still does not get his due.

The Athletic released their player tiers (subscription required) for next season, and number 77 ranked fifth or sixth in tier 1B. He was not among the best of the best, despite averaging over 31 points per game in the playoffs and leading his team to the conference finals.

Experts recognize Luka Doncic’s greatness in the moment, but they are quick to put him on the backburner when discussing the league’s best players. Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Kevin Durant get the publicity as the top players, and each of their teams instantly gains that respect of being one of the best.

Luka just has not reached that tier in the minds of the people discussing the league on these major platforms. It is a mistake and one that continues to get made. When will Doncic get the respect he deserves? It will likely take an MVP award or a championship at this point.