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Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Luka Doncic has seen a meteoric rise in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks’ star started off his career with a fantastic year with the Mavs. In the 2019-20 season, he just cemented his position as one of the top players to watch out for as he averaged a career high 28.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 9.1 rebounds.
Coming into the season, Doncic has become one of the favorites in the MVP race itself. Former teammate JJ Barea recently spoke to JJ Reddick’s podcast, the Old Man and the Three.
When asked about whether Doncic is a superstar or not, Barea said, “He is still a kid; he is still chilling, he’s still growing. He still hasn’t taken the next step.
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“When he starts really training and really working and really getting ready for the NBA, he’s gonna be a monster. Right now he is still a kid, he still thinks that he can pull it off like this.
“He is still getting better every year. But I think he is still a kid. By 24-25 when he becomes a man he will be real problem. He loves the game, he loves his teammates.
“He loves to compete against the best. He’s got all the things, I think you need to be a great basketball player.”
Can Luka Doncic become the MVP for the upcoming season?
The 21-year-old star has already become arguably the best young player in the NBA. He has made the Mavericks a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
Doncic could break all kinds of records in his career. He was the youngest player to make his debut for Real Madrid Basketball and was also the youngest MVP in EuroLeague’s history.
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via Getty
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 29: Luka Doncic (77) of the Dallas Mavericks yells, “and one,” after making a shot, but not getting call from contact by Paul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of Dallas’ 106-109 win on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Given the rise he has seen in his output in the last 2 years, Doncic might end up averaging a 30 point triple-double. He was much more impressive in the playoff series against the Clippers as he averaged 31 points, 8.7 assists, and 9.8 rebounds.
But year 3 hasn’t been that good for Luka. The 21-year-old has struggled to find his true form from last season. The Slovenian is also out of shape and hence the struggle.
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With the team struggling to find form, it’s about time that the 21-year-old finds his playoff form in this regular season.
One major help for Doncic will be the availability of center Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis will be the offensive partner he requires right now and will take some pressure off of Doncic’s shoulders. The Mavs will hope that the Slovenian can regain his peak form and reach new heights for the side.
