Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle says he doesn't like to get into “awards stuff,” but he's ready to declare Luka Doncic an MVP candidate following his strong start to the season for the Mavs.
In just his second year in the league, Doncic is playing like one of the best players in the NBA. Some are even saying the Mavs youngster is the most polished youngster in NBA history:
I asked Rick Carlisle today if Luka Doncic should be mentioned in this year's NBA MVP conversation. His answer: "I don't get into awards stuff. But yes." @dallasmavs @NBA #Mavs
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) November 19, 2019
Through the Mavs’ first 13 games of the season, Doncic is averaging 29.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists. The 20-year-old is shooting 47.7 percent from the field, 31.4 percent from beyond the arc and 81.1 percent from the free-throw line.
Doncic already has nine double-doubles and six triple-doubles on the season. He is well on his way to making his first All-Star appearance.
In the post-Dirk Nowitzki era, Doncic is the franchise player in Dallas. Luka has some help, too, as Kristaps Porzingis is an All-Star talent who will be tasked to aid Doncic in guiding the Mavs back to the playoffs. Dallas hasn’t been to the postseason since 2016.
As a rookie, Doncic put up 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor, 32.7 percent from the 3-point line and 71.3 percent from the charity stripe. As expected, Luka has taken his game to another level as a sophomore, something the Mavs and Carlisle knew was going to happen.
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