Luka Doncic way behind in ESPN MVP straw poll: Can he get back in race?

The Dallas Mavericks got off to a slow start as superstar Luka Doncic struggled out of the gate by his incredible standards. The 22-year-old had a long summer of basketball and had to play his way into NBA shape.

Luka missed ten games at the close of the 2021 calendar year, but he has been incredible since his return. The 6’7 superstar is averaging 28.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 1.3 steals over the last 22 games. He has finally found his groove and is looking to regain his position as a first-team All-NBA guard for the third straight year. The Mavs have gone 17-6 over that stretch as they continue to climb in the standings.

Doncic was the favorite to win MVP coming into the season, but his slow start had him ninth in the first ESPN MVP straw poll back in December. They released their second edition on Feb. 17. Did Luka’s recent play boost him in the voting?

Luka Doncic way behind in ESPN MVP straw poll: Can he get back in the race?

ESPN asked 100 media members to vote for their top five in the MVP race in their latest straw poll, and Luka received just two fifth-place votes. He remained ninth in the standings with Joel Embiid in the lead and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic in second.

The Mavericks have just 24 regular-season games remaining, so it will be nearly impossible for Doncic to push his way back into the MVP race. If he continues his incredible play and Dallas passes Utah for fourth in the Western Conference, Luka could find his way back into the top five. He finished sixth last season and fourth in 2020. Expect the Mavs superstar to earn more votes down the stretch as he averages nearly a 30-point triple-double per game.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will play in his third All-Star game on Sunday night and wants to lead his team to their first playoff series win since taking home the championship in 2011. The best is still yet to come from the 22-year-old, so stay tuned for all the latest.