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Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 2 – Luka Doncic

Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 2 – Luka Doncic

As we near the end of our ranking of the 25 best NBA players, we arrive at Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks superstar is an elite scorer with a unique style and all-around game. Let’s explore Luke’s game and his place on the list.

Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 2 – Luka Doncic

A cross-generational offensive talent

Since entering the league in 2018, Luka has been one of the most talented offensive players. Doncic is one of the most effective yet effortless scorers of all time. Luka’s unique combination of height (1.90 meters), first-class shooting technique and shooting skills make him an invincible goalscorer. He is one of the most adept isolation scorers and creators the game has ever seen. These skills allow Luka to control the game and make him one of the best clutch time players in the league. Since his sophomore year, Luka has averaged at least 28 points per game and has averaged over 30 points the last two seasons. Additionally, Luka is one of the best passers in the league and an elite rebounding guard. Luka is one of the three best scorers and playmakers in the league. This combination makes him a deadly offensive threat. This all adds up to one of the best all-around offensive capabilities the league has ever seen.

Season review

Luka had an incredible 2023/24 season that ended with a surprising finals run. Notably, this was his first full season playing alongside Kyrie Irving. Luka and Kyrie formed perhaps the league’s most dynamic and offensive backfield ever. In the regular season, Doncic posted absurd averages of 33.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds on 48.7/38.2/78.6 shooting splits. Impressively, Doncic led the league in scoring with 33.9 points and averaged the most combined points, rebounds and assists since the NBA-ABA merger. Luka also led the Mavericks to 50 wins and a five-seed while finishing third in MVP voting. He also made the All-NBA first team for the fifth consecutive time. Additionally, Luka ranked first in offensive plus/minus and isolation scoring while ranking second in VORP.

In the playoffs, “Luka Legend” shone again with an average of 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists. The Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round before defeating the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. In the conference finals, the Mavericks defeated the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves, who had just defeated the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Luka and the Mavs made light work of Minnesota, defeating them in five games. This was Luka’s best playoff series, in which he averaged 32.7 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists. This also included many crucial moments from Luka, highlighted by a game-winning three-pointer against Rudy Gobert in Game 2. In the NBA Finals, Dallas lost to the Boston Celtics in five games. Still, Luka had an incredible season and an incredible playoff run. It’s very unusual for a 24-year-old to lead his team to the NBA Finals.

Season outlook

The Mavericks made a big splash in free agency by signing Klay Thompson, who gives Luka an elite motion shooter to find on drive-and-kick plays. Dallas lost its best wing and fullback in Derrick Jones Jr., but also brought in Naji Marshall, who was able to repeat this defensive performance. While the Western Conference is loaded with talent, the Mavericks are still clear contenders, especially with Luka’s talent and their proven playoff track record. If the Mavericks can win more than 50 games and host a playoff series, Luka could win his first-ever MVP award, which seems a bit overdue at this point.

The last word

Luka has established himself as one of the top superstars. His ranking alternated between second and third place. Luka’s self-creation and overall offensive excellence give him a slight edge over Giannis Antetokounmpo. These skills allow Luka to control the game better and make him a little easier to rebuild. In addition, Lukas’ constant availability is another advantage. If Luka can win an MVP award and a championship, he could even be considered the best player in the league.

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