Luka Doncic has been putting up incredible numbers over the past few weeks. But the media needs to give him the credit he deserves despite his outstanding performances. I’m going to make the case that Luka Doncic should be the front-runner for the Most Valuable Player Award, highlighting the lack of attention he has been receiving, especially when compared to other players, like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Matchup Nightmare for Defenses
Luka Doncic has been an unstoppable force since the new year, averaging 34.5 points, 10.1 assists, and 9.8 rebounds per game. These numbers demonstrate Doncic’s potential as a player that we might be discussing in GOAT conversations in the future. It might be a stretch right now, but you can’t count out the kid from Slovenia. Doncic has shown time and time again that he is capable of dominating games in a variety of ways, positioning him as one of the best players in the league.
Under-appreciated Greatness
Doncic’s remarkable 73-point outburst against the Atlanta Hawks is one game that best illustrates the disrespect shown towards his dominance. The media seemed more focused on attacking the Hawks’ defense than applauding his offensive masterpiece.
Double Standards
The use of unfair comparisons between Doncic’s performance and other players’ is another obvious problem. Everyone rushed to praise Joel Embiid after he scored 70 points against the Spurs a couple of weeks ago, attempting to crown him this year’s MVP, but when Doncic plays at the same caliber, he is ignored or written off.
MVP Race
Since Joel Embiid is no longer eligible for MVP due to injury, the race is open. It’s perplexing that Doncic was listed fourth in the latest poll, given what he’s done. The key for the Mavericks to help Luka’s MVP chances is to move up the standings and get at least 50 wins, which is a challenging, but with Luka, there is a clear shot.
It’s time for Luka Doncic to receive the respect and acknowledgment he desperately deserves from the basketball world. Whether it’s his unmatched stats or his position as the game’s best international player in the N.B.A., Doncic has consistently shown that he deserves the title of an NBA great. All eyes will be on Doncic as the season progresses to see if he can maintain his streak of exceeding expectations and establish himself as one of the best players of his generation.
