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The NBA recognizes the best player from the entire season through the MVP award and Luka Doncic could be in that conversation for the upcoming season. The Slovenian has already proved himself to be an elite athlete and might be rewarded sooner rather than later for his brilliance.
The power to decide is in the hands of a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, which means personal preference will be a factor. Regardless, a player's work on the floor speaks volumes, which is why Luka Doncic could easily be in the MVP conversation in the coming year.
Although it is way too early to say for certain who will be the 2021-22 MVP, betting men already have their money on Doncic. He opened as the MVP favorite for the 2021-22 season on several sports betting sites.
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets' big man, is the reigning champion and will be looking for a repeat. Undoubtedly, he was a deserving winner, but Doncic's takeover is on the horizon and could be complete when the 2021-22 season draws to a close.
As we await the start of the new season, here are five reasons why Luka Doncic could be at the forefront in the running for the award.
#1 Consistency
Many players in the NBA have had one explosive season and gone quiet in subsequent years. However, Luka Doncic has successfully operated at the highest level year-in-year-out, which makes his efforts all the more impressive.
Although he has spent just three years with the Dallas Mavericks, he is currently the team's best hope of becoming a championship contender. Doncic's growth through the years has been glaring and is worthy of recognition. Another great season will cement his position as an elite guard and will most certainly make him a prime MVP candidate.
#2 Versatility
Winning the MVP award goes beyond putting points on the scoreboard. Jokic's win last season is a clear example of the kind of player that is rewarded.
That said, Luka Doncic's 27.7 points, 8.6 assists and eight rebounds per game in the 2020-21 season was enough to see him finish sixth in MVP voting. Although he was the early favorite at the start of the season, he ultimately wasn't a finalist because of the slow start he had to the season.
Doncic's numbers will definitely improve in the new season, which will make him the favorite to win the 2022 award. If he continues to score and generally make the entire team play better, he has a good shot at securing the votes needed to become the MVP.
Also Read: Who is Luka Doncic's girlfriend, Anamaria Goltes?
#3 Luka Doncic will continue his impressive scoring
Luka Doncic has shown that he is an elite scorer and is expected to continue doing so in the 2021-22 NBA season. Although the MVP candidate is expected to be an all-around genius in the game of basketball, scoring takes pre-eminence.
Despite a drop in his regular-season points average compared to the 2019-20 season, Doncic's efficiency improved during the 2020-21 campaign. He recorded career-high field goal and three-point percentages, which goes a long way in showing how his decision making and shot selection has improved.
If Doncic plays at the highest level possible, it might result in a 30+ points average in the 2021-22 season. The 21-year-old could build on his average of 35.7 points in the 2021 playoffs and maintain that upward progression. A 30+ points average, coupled with his skillset in assisting and rebounding, will undoubtedly make him a potential MVP candidate.
#4 Top four finish
The competition in the West is stiff, which is why a top-four finish for the Dallas Mavericks will shoot Luka Doncic up the list of likely winners. Given how teams in the West have stacked up their rosters ahead of the new season, it will indeed be a noteworthy achievement for the Mavs.
A top-four finish will mean Luka Doncic and the Mavericks will have more wins than either the star-studded veteran LA Lakers team, the LA Clippers, Utah Jazz, or Golden State Warriors. While other teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets do boast great squads, the four aforementioned sides are the likeliest to finish top of the conference during the 2021-22 season.
Regardless, clinching a top-four seed would be an incredible feat for the Mavericks. With Kristaps Porzingis being the only other All-Star caliber player on the team, the heavy lifting will once again be left to Luka Doncic.
#1 Doncic will play the most minutes in the NBA
A player will have a greater impact on his team if he is given more minutes. The Mavericks know that the competition is stiff, which is why their best player will be on the court as often as possible.
The number of games played is also used as a measure in the MVP race, which is why Luka Doncic will play as many minutes as possible. The youngster has played through injuries in the past and might do so again if the situation demands it. Playing more minutes will give him more time to impact the game and help the Mavs win more games as well.
The MVP award is normally given to the player who has made the most impact on the floor. With more playing time, Luka Doncic is sure to stuff the stat sheet and rally his team to victories.
