Luka Doncic, the young star of the Dallas Mavericks, is making an early case for the NBA MVP award at the start of this season.
Doncic's incredible all-around game has helped his team to the upper standings of the Western Conference, and his individual stats and impact on games have been nothing short of remarkable, averaging 39.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists.
Doncic's ability to score has always been a key factor in his previous MVP candidacies. He's consistently been among the league's top scorers, averaging over 30 points per game. As fans know, Doncic is an outstanding playmaker, the offensive versatility is what Doncic is known for an hopes to bring a little more this year.
5 Reasons Mavericks star Luka Doncic is making an early case for MVP
Defensively, Doncic has made significant strides. He's become a more engaged and effective defender, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best player. His increased effort on this end of the floor has significantly contributed to his team's early success.
The impact of Doncic on the Mavericks' success cannot be overstated. He's been instrumental in leading his team to wins at the start of this early season.
With the stage set for Luka Doncic, it's time to dive into the five compelling reasons that have elevated his status as a frontrunner.
5. Fighting for a top seed
The Mavericks are off to a fast 3-0 start to this season. That is the best start they've had through three games since Luka was drafted. Dallas has been notorious for slow starts, but this year could be different.
While individual performance is a significant factor in MVP consideration, a player's impact on their team's success is equally crucial. Historically, MVP winners often come from teams with strong records and playoff contention.
As fans know, the Mavericks finished outside the play-in tournament last season with the 11th seed, which ultimately allowed the organization to draft Dereck Lively II with the No. 12 pick.
A strong team record not only reflects the player's ability to contribute to their team's success but also showcases their leadership and impact on winning games.
When a team is consistently winning and competing at a high level, it accentuates the importance of the player at the forefront of that success.
While there have been exceptions where players from teams with middling records have won the MVP, those instances are relatively rare.
In Doncic's case, a competitive Mavericks team would certainly strengthen his MVP case, as it demonstrates that his exceptional talents translate into victories, which is the ultimate goal in the NBA.