The front-runner over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic Luka Doncic, who is in his seventh NBA season, is the early favorite to win MVP. Nikola Jokic, who is aiming for his fourth award, is only at his level with certain bookies. The Slovenian point guard has been named an All Star five times, including in the league’s top five in the same campaigns, and has been a candidate for the competition’s best player award. He is the front-runner this time.
With 33.9 points per game and nearly a triple-double average from his 70 games played last season, Doncic was already the NBA’s best scorer. He also averaged 9.8 rebounds and 9.2 assists. However, the Mavericks were a winning club, which set them apart from previous years. They had a 52-30 record in the end and took that record into the Finals, losing to the Celtics. It appeared to be the product of strong work both on the court and in the front office rather than an accident, as it did when they advanced to the Conference Finals in 21–22.
The Mavericks, led once more by Doncic, are expected to continue their winning trajectory. Jayson Tatum of the Celtics recently forecasted a rematch of the Finals from the previous season. And now that four-time champion Klay Thompson has arrived in Dallas, they are daydreaming. The Slovenian point guard should see an increase in his stats with the signing of one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, as up until now, the shooters surrounding him have not been able to stay consistent.
“The assists will come easily if you average those stats with what you had and now that you have a ‘catch and shoot’ player. If Doncic doesn’t average a triple-double this season, I’d be shocked. He may be the clear front-runner for MVP, according to former star Gilbert Arenas. The
Russell Westbrook was the last player to take home the trophy in 2017 after averaging a triple-double.
ESPN’s panel of experts, who awarded Doncic 48% of the top ranks in an August survey, share Arenas’ opinion. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Edwards behind him.
His state of health
When Doncic reports for the Mavericks preseason, his physical condition will need to be examined first. After being disqualified from the Games due to an injury sustained during the Pre-Olympics in Piraeus, he had time to work. He has been touring China and was recently featured in a Zagreb memorial to Drazen Petrovic. 38 days remain until the start of the regular season in the NBA.
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