How Mavs' Luka Doncic Ranks Among NBA's Top Point Guards
DALLAS — Luka Doncic has long cemented himself as one of the NBA's elite players, already earning his fourth All-NBA First-Team nomination in 2022-23. He averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists for the Dallas Mavericks in 66 games.
Ahead of the 2023-24 season, HoopsHype ranked the top point guards in the NBA. Given how strong of a season Doncic just had and his outlook ahead, where does he rank among the league's top players at his position? As it turns out: No. 1.
Doncic's individual excellence transcended the potential blemish that failing to qualify for the postseason or play-in tournament could have been on his ranking, largely due to the team context of the Mavs losing Jalen Brunson during the offseason.
"Individually, it was another incredible season for Luka Doncic in 2022-23, earning 1st Team All-NBA honors after ranking second league-wide in scoring and ninth in nightly assists," Frank Urbina wrote. "However, he did miss the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season, something that’s hard to blame him for considering what a loss Brunson proved to be."
The general mastery in scoring and passing that Doncic provides, along with his impressive rebounding for a guard, are enough for him to be considered the top at his position despite having room to be better defensively.
"Regardless, Doncic is elite in just about every respect outside of defense, as he can score from all three levels, is crafty as they come with the ball in his hands, is a visionary as a passer and can rebound at a high level, too."
The expectation remains that Doncic very well could be the MVP of the NBA next season if things go according to plan. It would require a healthy, strong season from both Doncic and his backcourt partner, Kyrie Irving.
"If the Mavericks have a strong season behind Doncic and Irving, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the former earn MVP consideration, pretty much the only accolade outside of a ring Doncic is still missing," Urbina wrote.
Irving was also included as a point guard on this list and ranked 13th despite being an All-Star starter last season. The rationale afforded being focused on off-the-court
Before Doncic suites up for the Mavs, he will represent his native country, Slovenia, in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. His physical conditioning has commanded a significant amount of attention with anticipation for how it could translate to his impact during the upcoming NBA season.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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