Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has seen the odds of him potentially winning the 2021-22 MVP award. However, he understands that all the talks right now are too premature.
Besides, the Mavs playmaker himself understands that he needs to prove something and win before he joins the conversation of being one of the league's true elites. After all, it's winning the championship that matters the most.
“I still didn’t win nothing,” Doncic said of being the odds-on MVP favorite, per Dallas Morning News. “So I’ve got a long way to go.”
Several MVP odds have Luka Doncic winning the award over the likes of Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. While KD is close behind him, it just shows that the expectations on the Slovenian–entering his fourth season in the league–are high.
Article Continues BelowRegardless, it is clear Doncic's focus is not on individual accolades but on team success. He knows that with winning comes recognition, which should only help his MVP case. That kind of mentality is what the Mavs exactly need as they try to become legitimate title contenders with Luka and Kristaps Porzingis leading the way.
Fortunately for fans, the Mavs are in a better shape mentally and physically as they start anew with Jason Kidd at the helm. Rick Carlisle's time with the franchise has ran its course, and it looks like Mark Cuban and Co. made the right decision of revamping the front office and coaching staff.
Of course it remains to be seen how the Mavs will perform, but after a perfect preseason, optimism is at an all-time high.