The 2023-24 NBA season has gotten off to a great start. While the fans are just happy to have the basketball action back on their screens, several pundits have started the major trophies talks. Although it has only been a few days since the season began, we’re already hearing the MVP talks happening in the basketball world.

Recently a Boston Celtics legend declared that Luka Doncic is coming for the MVP award this season. Despite there being months of NBA games to be played, this 46-year-old feels that Doncic is presenting a strong enough case already.

Paul Pierce names Luka Doncic an MVP contender

The Dallas Mavericks have stepped into this new season with an inherent intention. After a subpar last season, this time the team looks prepared to challenge for the ring. They have played six games this season, and have won five of them. The only loss for the Mavs has been at the hands of the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets. Apart from that, their performance has been impressive, led by their superstar, Luka. He has been in brilliant form so far, and after all the criticism that Doncic had to endure last season, this victorious start will give him some much-needed confidence.

While Doncic continues to improve on the hardwood, he’s already getting MVP shout-outs from the veterans. Recently, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were in a conversation about Doncic and the Mavs. Pierce stated he is “coming out the gate crazy” this year. Impressed by the performances the 24-year-old has been putting in, Pierce believes Doncic is an MVP contender this year. KG also echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “I’m MVP. That’s how Luka is playing.” The two veterans agreed he has been performing well every year but this time, he looks like “something different.”

We’ll have to wait a few more months to see if the Celtics legends predicted it correctly or not. Regardless, seeing Luka in action is a treat for every fan.

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Will Luka Doncic dethrone Joel Embiid?

Last year, Joel Embiid was declared the season MVP, and rightfully so. Embiid had a stellar run throughout the regular season and was the face of his team all year. But if we analyze the claims made by the Celtics legends, Doncic fell short by a distance as last season’s MVP contender. In fact, the 4x All-Star wasn’t even in the top three spots for the contenders.

However, this time around, it seems like Doncic has worked on his weaknesses and has improved on his strengths. One thing is for sure, if he continues in this rhythm for a few more months, he will be challenging anyone in the league for the title.

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