Even though the Dallas Mavericks made it to the 2024 NBA Finals last season for the third time in franchise history and defied all expectations, there was one thing that left Mavs fans frustrated: Luka Doncic was not named MVP. Despite having a strong case for the award, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished ahead of him. Now, it seems the time has come for Doncic to claim his first MVP. Although Doncic prioritizes winning the Finals over individual accolades, this season presents his best opportunity to win MVP due to a significant change in the Mavericks’ roster.
The Mavericks’ new supporting cast significantly boosts Luka Doncic’s MVP chances. This offseason, Dallas made improvements across the board, giving Doncic the best supporting cast he’s ever had. The team added Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Quentin Grimes, which will make things easier for Doncic next season. Dallas’ shooting has notably improved, particularly with the addition of Thompson, and this duo is expected to dominate the league. Thompson, one of the NBA’s best off-ball movers, will frequently receive open three-point opportunities from Doncic’s passes.
While Dinwiddie might be an underrated acquisition, he will greatly benefit Doncic. Dinwiddie can play both on and off the ball and has already established great chemistry with Doncic during his first stint in Dallas. He can either spot up as a shooter or handle the ball when Doncic needs a break, simplifying the game for Doncic.
Marshall and Grimes, known as 3-and-D players, will fit perfectly alongside Doncic due to their ability to hit open shots and defend effectively. Doncic elevates these types of players, who thrive in Dallas’ offense thanks to the open looks he consistently creates. Although Doncic’s individual stats might slightly decrease due to the new additions, the team’s overall success is expected to rise. The Mavs won 50 games last season, and with Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington available for the entire season, they could have arguably won 60 games.
Dallas was one of the NBA’s hottest teams post-trade deadline, and with these new additions, they’ll be contenders for a top seed in the Western Conference. Team success is increasingly important in the MVP race, and Doncic and the Mavericks have the potential for another historic season.
The Mavericks’ anticipated improved team performance should bolster Doncic’s MVP case, and this enhanced supporting cast will keep him in the spotlight all season.