NBA: Top 5 MVP candidate predictions for 2020-21 season

4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Since coming into the league at the start of the 2018-19 season, Slovenian phenom Luka Doncic has done nothing but produce for the Dallas Mavericks. In less than two full seasons with the team, Doncic has already received All-Star starter honors, NBA Rookie of the Year, and a 2018-19 All-Rookie selection. He has not only asserted himself as one of the best young players in today’s game but one of the best overall.

In 54 games this season, Doncic played at an astonishing level for the Dallas Mavericks, having averaged 28.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James were atop the list for MVP this season, Doncic placed at third for most of this season, and if his sophomore season is a sign of things to come, the 20-year-old could make history next season.

A 22-year-old Derrick Rose made league history in 2011 as the youngest player to ever win the MVP award, but Doncic has the potential to take that title for himself next season. If Doncic improves upon his already stellar sophomore season, he could assert himself as a top 5 player in the league, if he is not already.

The biggest hurdle for Doncic’s history-shattering aspirations is the overall success of the team. The All-Star’s case seemed watered down this year because Dallas finished as the 6-seed, with injuries having played a significant factor. If Doncic’s play can elevate the Mavericks into a possible top-4 seed, his case for MVP undoubtedly increases significantly.