5 biggest surprises at the halfway mark of the 2018-19 NBA season

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings on December 16, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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5. Luka Doncic living up to the hype and then some

Much was made about the eventual arrival of Luka Doncic to the states. He had dominated the EuroLeague as a 19-year-old kid, taking home MVP honors while taking grown men and even former members of the NBA to school.

Fans and analysts alike were both shocked and dumbfounded when the Atlanta Hawks took Doncic No. 3 overall only to trade him to the Dallas Mavericks. Sure, there was some concern over whether he’d be overwhelmed by a lack of physical gifts, but those deficiencies were nitpicky at best.

Halfway through the season and any thought of Doncic struggling in the association are now extremely laughable, as he’s currently averaging 19.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.

Those numbers don’t include the constant stream of highlights the Slovenian ball-handler cobbles together on a nightly basis, including dizzying dribble moves and step-back 3-pointers most veterans fail to successfully pull off even once, much less have it as part of their offensive arsenal before they turn 20.

There was a reason Doncic was one of the top prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft, but even so, it seems as though he’s exceeded expectations with the simplicity at which he dominates and the ease he seems to play with on the court. He’s a lock to win Rookie of the Year and has the NBA world giddy about what’s to come.