We know who won’t be NBA MVP

Doncic, Davis, and the MVP Chase

Photo: Public Domain

The February 1 trade of Luka Doncic of the Mavericks for Anthony Davis of the Lakers shook the sports world, and the news dominated the early part of Super Bowl week.

Doncic hasn’t played since Christmas and just 22 games so far this season. When he did play, his offensive numbers were down slightly from previous years. He’s been criticized for his conditioning, which some have blamed for his injuries. He’s also been criticized for being an indifferent defender at times.

Even so, he’s still regarded as one of the four best players in the league. The Lakers gave up one of the perennial ten-best players in Davis, plus another player and a first-round pick for Doncic, and that is still considered a steal.

I don’t know the reasons behind the trade, but it sounds like a decision-maker for the Mavericks doesn’t think Doncic is reliable and that Davis is better for the team right now. If the Mavs win a championship with Davis and the Lakers don’t with Doncic, the Mavs will have been proven right. Right now, however, the overwhelming majority of observers believe the Mavs made a bad deal.

One thing we can be certain of: neither Doncic nor Davis will win the MVP Chase this season. I mean, if a team…