NBA MVP Power Rankings: Where does Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic rank?

3. Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic has opened the season with a blazing performance after another blazing performance, he just can't seem to cool down. With Doncic's masterclass performances, he has led the Mavericks to a 7-2 start, the team's best start in over a decade.

Currently, the team holds second place in the Western Conference, and it's all in large part to Doncic and other Mavs role players. In fact, six Mavericks have led the entire league in the clutch plus-minus stat to begin the season.

Doncic has already made a strong push for MVP, and this could finally be the year he wins the prestigious award. With 33 points per game, nine rebounds, and eight and a half assists per game, it's clear Doncic has become a front-runner for many fans' MVP debate.

Additionally, Doncic adds a steal per game for the Mavericks, and in 36 minutes, this has become a plus for the team. Historically, Doncic has struggled on defense, but this season, it's been the opposite. Doncic has not only bought in on the defensive end but he's looked good doing it.

Calling Doncic a plus defender is a far fetch, but any attention from Doncic on the defensive end is a plus for the Mavs.

Doncic has the numbers to become Dallas' second-ever MVP, but can the team continue to exceed expectations? If Dallas exceeds expectations and becomes a top-six or even a top-four seed come playoff time, it would be hard not to see Doncic win MVP. In the meantime, Doncic will sit comfortably at three in this week's MVP power rankings.