Sun Sep 15 10:06:43 UTC 2024: ## Luka Doncic Favored to Win NBA MVP Award
**Dallas, TX** – Luka Doncic, the Slovenian point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, is the early favorite to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award this season. Doncic, who has been a five-time All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection, led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last year, where they fell to the Boston Celtics.
Doncic’s impressive performance last season, which included an NBA-leading 33.9 points per game and nearly a triple-double average, has made him the leading contender for the MVP award. The Mavericks’ success as a team, reaching the Finals after a strong regular season, has also bolstered Doncic’s candidacy.
Adding to the Mavericks’ firepower this season is the arrival of veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson, a four-time NBA champion. Thompson’s presence will give Doncic a reliable “catch and shoot” option, potentially allowing him to rack up even more assists and perhaps average a triple-double.
“I’d be surprised if Doncic doesn’t average a triple-double this season,” said former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. “He’s possibly the No. 1 MVP candidate.”
An ESPN panel of experts echoed Arenas’ sentiments, with Doncic receiving 48% of the votes in an August poll for their MVP pick. Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Edwards were also considered strong contenders.
Doncic’s physical condition heading into the Mavericks’ preseason will be a key factor to watch. He has had time to rest and train after missing the Games due to a Pre-Olympic injury in Piraeus and has been spotted in Croatia and China. With the NBA season starting in 38 days, all eyes will be on Doncic and whether he can lead the Mavericks to another deep playoff run and claim the coveted MVP award.
First Piper 