Former NBA head coach and analyst Stan Van Gundy has stirred up the basketball world by proclaiming Luka Doncic as the greatest offensive talent he has ever seen. Van Gundy clarified that while he believes Doncic reigns supreme in offense, he does not imply that Doncic is the greatest player overall.
“I think the best offensive player now that I’ve ever seen is Luka Doncic… I did see MJ. I don’t think there’s anything the guy can’t do offensively. He’s huge, he’s 6’8″, and big. But strictly as an offensive player, I think he’s the best I’ve ever seen,” said Stan Van Gundy.
Throughout this season, Luka Doncic has been nothing short of spectacular, yet his MVP candidacy has come into the spotlight relatively late.
The NBA website reports his impressive averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists. Doncic is also poised to secure his first NBA scoring championship. The Mavericks, led by Doncic, are eyeing a 50+ victory season for the second time in his career, aiming for the No. 5 seed in the playoffs.
Following some criticism for not mentioning certain former players, Van Gundy explained his reasoning for ranking Doncic above the likes of LeBron James and Michael Jordan in offensive prowess.
“Jordan wasn’t a bad passer, but he wasn’t Luka Doncic as a passer. He did not have Luka’s size or strength. I’m not trying to demean Michael Jordan in any way or LeBron James, but Luka Doncic is a different level to me offensively,” clarified Van Gundy.
Luka Doncic Is in Contention for the NBA MVP Award
Luka Doncic’s case for MVP is strong, particularly as he holds the highest average of total points, rebounds, and assists in the modern NBA era. Critics have pointed out the Mavericks’ record compared to other contenders like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, downplaying Doncic’s chances.
Despite facing challenges with an injury-prone supporting cast in the competitive Western Conference, Doncic is predicted to finish just behind the leading MVP candidates.
The Dallas Mavericks organization has thrown its weight behind Doncic’s MVP campaign, sporting ‘Pravi MVP’ (True MVP) t-shirts before their game against the Miami Heat. Official social media accounts and even owner Mark Cuban’s personal Twitter have been vocal in pushing for Doncic’s MVP recognition.
While Nikola Jokic seems to be on track for his third MVP award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to finish third, leaving Doncic in a formidable but likely third place despite his late-season surge.