Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic remains as humble as ever. After saying last season that he doesn't think he should have been a candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year, the Mavs star is back at it again, this time regarding the Damian Lillard controversy.
For those not in the know, several fans and experts took issue with the fact that Doncic has been voted as an All-star starter over Lillard. After all, Dame has not only been clutch for the Portland Trail Blazers, but he has also been their leading scorer as they climb to fourth in the Western Conference standings with an 18-10 record.
However, the ever self-deprecating Mavs star addressed the issue on Saturday and agreed that Lillard should have been the All-Star starter over him. In fact, Luka noted that he himself was surprised with the voting results.
“I was surprised to be a starter to be honest,” Doncic said, per Dorothy Gentry of The Athletic . “I know Lillard deserved it maybe more than me. At the end of the day, in two years, no one will know who started or not started. Only that you were an All-Star.”
While Luka Doncic's candor is refreshing, it is likely to do little to Damian Lillard's frustration at yet another slight. As the Blazers point guard told reporters during his press conference following the announcement, the fact that he had historically received the “shorter-end of the stick” when it came to national recognition is something that continues to drive him.
Even if Luka believes that Lillard may have been more deserving of the starting spot given his production and team success, the Mavs guard's selection is far from a reach. Averaging 29.1 points per game and 9.4 assists, Doncic has put up numbers in line with past starters in the exhibition match. Moreover, the fact that Dallas has been unable to capitalize on his performance to earn victories cannot entirely be placed on him.
With the starting position already his, it's no surprise to see the Mavs playmaker take the high road.
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