Elite but ignored: Luka Doncic's MVP case falls short
As expected, the Lakers guard was ultimately left out of the final MVP voting. Being the league’s best offensive player, it seems, is not enough.
The same question from previous seasons has come up yet again: what more does Luka Doncic have to do?
For many, he’s a clear MVP. For others, just a contender. But one thing is certain. He shouldn’t have been left out of the final group. The Los Angeles Lakers star delivered a high-impact offensive season, yet it still wasn’t enough for voters or, it seems, for the NBA itself. Once again, the young phenom failed to meet expectations that weren’t even particularly demanding.
The main argument shared by more than a few analysts was simple: “He doesn’t defend.” But considering there’s already a specific award for Defensive Player of the Year and not one for the best offensive player, it’s worth questioning whether that standard is being applied fairly.
Even so, Doncic actually averaged more steals (1.6 per game, over 100 total) than the three MVP finalists, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama.
Doncic’s numbers don’t lie
That alone wasn’t enough. What he did with the ball in his hands was on another level and it still didn’t matter. Doncic averaged 33.5 points and 8.3 assists per game, generating roughly 49 points per night between scoring and playmaking. He also recorded the most games with 40+ points and 10+ assists.
For comparison, Jokic generated 47 points per game the same way, Shai 43, and Wembanyama 31.
He was named Player of the Month twice and Player of the Week four times. Meanwhile, Shai, Jokic, and Wembanyama each won Player of the Month just once. So how is the only player with two Player of the Month awards not even a finalist for MVP? It raises a difficult question...does the NBA have something against Luka Doncic and refuse to admit it?
In the end, this isn’t necessarily about Doncic being the undisputed MVP. Jokic may very well have the stronger statistical case. But the final race should have come down to those two.
Shai and Wembanyama have benefited from strong systems and standout teammates, with Chet Holmgren in Defensive Player of the Year talks, Keldon Johnson in Sixth Man consideration, Mitch Johnson in Coach of the Year discussions, and even Jamal Murray in clutch player conversations. Doncic, meanwhile, can’t point to a single teammate in the running for major awards.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.