Not a lot of NBA players can claim that they are in the Most Valuable Player conversation at just 20 years old. Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is already at that stage in just his second year in the league, but he's not letting the adulation get to his head.
The Slovenian wunderkind recently opened up about his sudden rise from Rookie of the Year to super-stardom, via Callie Caplan of Dallas News.
“Just be the same person as I was, you know, five years ago. I dreamed about being here. I’m just blessed to be here. Enjoying every day of my life playing in the NBA, and it’s just fun for me.”
Doncic has been beyond phenomenal for the Mavs this season, notching averages of 30.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.4 steals while leading his team to fourth place in the West with a 15-6 record.
He's also leading the league in triple-doubles with (7) while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and making 32.7 percent of his attempts from downtown.
Doncic is currently second in Kia's MVP ladder behind reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, while currently ahead of perennial MVP contenders LeBron James and James Harden.
If Doncic does indeed win MVP this year, he will become the youngest to ever win the award by a good two years. Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose is the youngest league MVP, claiming the trophy at 22 years old in 2011.
Doncic's chances will still likely be determined on how many games Dallas manages to win this year. The Mavs are currently on track to return to the postseason, which will further strengthen Doncic's bid.
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