NBA All-Star Game 2020: Predicting the Western Conference starting 5

#5 Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Clippers v Dallas Mavericks

Luke Doncic's appearance in the ballot seems dependent more on the league's classification of whether he's a guard or a forward. It has to be a foregone conclusion - Doncic is the darling of the NBA media today and has yet to set a foot wrong on or off the court since landing in the USA.

It's quite amazing that three different teams had the opportunity to draft him and consolidate around him (the Suns, Kings and the Grizzlies) and a 4th team traded down in order to acquire a mid-first round pick in 2021 in the Atlanta Hawks.

Yeah, Trae Young himself is lighting up the scores averaging higher numbers than Lillard even up until this point in the season. But he isn't in the same class as Luka, who does not get intimidated even the least bit while having a go at the throne of best player on the planet. Perhaps this season is when the torch will be passed on, literally or figuratively.

Doncic's season averages of 30.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 9.4 assists have propelled him to the very top of MVP conversations in only his second season in the league.