NBA News: Luka Doncic Draws Bold MVP Prediction from Former Mavs Coach

NBA news: Before taking on the role of the Indiana Pacers’ head coach, Rick Carlisle spent no less than 13 years sitting at the helm for the Dallas Mavericks. During the latter part of his tenure with the Mavs, Carlisle had the chance to coach Luka Doncic. Their time together lasted just three years, but this was more than enough time for Carlisle to realize just how special this young truly man is.

NBA News: Ex-Mavs Coach Heaps High Praise on Luka Doncic

It has now been two years since Carlisle and Doncic parted ways. So much has happened during this time, and for his part, Luka has now firmly established himself as one of the top superstars in the NBA. Carlisle has seen this astounding rise from Doncic, albeit from a distance, and it has prompted a bold prediction from the former Mavs shot-caller:

“I think Luka’s going to be the MVP this year,” Carlisle said, via Grant Afseth of FanNation. “I think he and Kyrie (Irving) are going to play great.”

“I’m sure he’s doing all the right things for him. He’s been on the cusp of being the best player in the world. He’s right there, and I think he’s going to be the MVP this year.”

Rick Carlisle is so sure about Doncic’s claim to the MVP title that he had to say twice. Needless to say, he remains to be a big fan of the Mavs superstar.

NBA News: Did Rick Carlisle Forget About Giannis Antetokounmpo?

I think Rick Carlisle is overlooking one particular player in the Eastern Conference. That man is Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Apart from bagging the MVP title in back-to-back seasons a few years back, Giannis came in third in the MVP vote over the past few seasons. In 2021, he was fourth in the voting.

Giannis Antetokuonmpo is expected to be healthy this season, and this is going to make him an even bigger threat to Joel Embiid’s MVP crown. The good (or bad?) news for Carlisle is that his Pacers are also in the Central Division with the Bucks, meaning he will get to see first-hand Giannis dominate on the court multiple times against Indiana this season. Perhaps this might force him to change his MVP view.

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