When we talk about the odds for the MVP award and mention the names of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jason Tatum, we can no longer put Luka Doncic in the equation. The Slovenian can no longer compete for this title or any other individual awards.
Doncic will miss Sunday’s game against the Nuggets, something that was expected as he has been out for the last two weeks with a left calf strain. But when it comes to the fact, it is remarkable: Doncic will miss his 17th game and will not reach the number of games required by the NBA in the regular season.
This means that Doncic can no longer be selected as the MVP of the season, will not enter the voting, but can not be included in the best teams of the season. It will put an end to a streak of five consecutive seasons of Doncic in the best team of the year.
Doncic now joins a list of very prominent players who will no longer be among the individual award winners this season, along with Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren.
“Unfortunately, that’s the norm now and you have to comply,” said Jason Kidd, Doncic’s coach with the Mavs. “A serious injury leaves you out for a long time, but we know he’s one of the best players in the league. He should always be mentioned as an MVP candidate.”