Nearing the end of our top 25 NBA player rankings, we arrive at Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks superstar is an elite scorer with a unique style and all-around game. Let’s explore Luka’s game and his place on the list.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 2 – Luka Doncic
A Generational Offensive Talent
Since entering the league in 2018, Luka has been one of the most gifted offensive players. Doncic is one of the most effective yet effortless scorers of all-time. Luka’s unique combination of size (6-foot-7), elite shot-creation, and shooting abilities make him an unguardable scorer. He is one of the most skilled isolation scorers and creators the game has ever seen. This skill set allows Luka to control the game and makes him one of the league’s best clutch-time players. Since his second year, Luka has averaged at least 28 points a game in the past two seasons, he averaged 30-plus points. Furthermore, Luka is one of the league’s best passers and an elite rebounding guard. Luka is a top three scorer and playmaker in the league this combination makes him a deadly offensive threat. This all comes together to make one of the best all-around offensive skill sets the league has ever seen.
Season Recap
Luka had an incredible 2023-24 season capped off by a surprising finals run. Notably, this was his first full season playing alongside Kyrie Irving. Luka and Kyrie formed the league’s most dynamic and offensively-skilled backcourt in the league, possibly of all time. 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’s 33.9 points led the league, and he 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 his fifth straight All-NBA first team. Furthermore, Luka ranked first in offensive plus/minus and isolation scoring while ranking second in VORP. The Mavericks offense was also a +10.5 with Luka on the court.
Most combined career PPG, RPG & APG in NBA history 👀
57.4 — Wilt Chamberlain
45.6 — Luka Doncic
45.6 — Bob Pettit
45.2 — Elgin Baylor pic.twitter.com/zRDaByyDiC— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 10, 2024
In the playoffs, “Luka Legend” shined once again, averaging 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. The Mavericks took down the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round before upsetting the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. In the conference finals, the Mavericks beat the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves, who had just upset the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Luka and the Mavs made light work of Minnesota, beating them in five games. This was Luka’s best series of the playoffs he posted averages of 32.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. Additionally, this included plenty of clutch moments from Luka, highlighted by a game-winning three-pointer over Rudy Gobert in Game 2. In the NBA Finals, Dallas lost to the Boston Celtics in five games. Nevertheless, Luka had an incredible season and playoff run. It’s very uncommon to see a 24-year-old lead their team to the NBA Finals.
Season Outlook
The Mavericks made a major splash in free agency by landing Klay Thompson, who gives Luka an elite movement shooter to find on drive-and-kick plays. Dallas did lose their best wing and perimeter defender in Derrick Jones Jr. however, they also brought in Naji Marshall, who could replicate that defensive production. 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 50-plus games and host a playoff series, Luka could win his first-ever MVP award, which feels somewhat overdue at this point.
The Last Word
Luka has established himself as one of the top-tier superstars. His ranking was a toss-up between the second and third. Luka’s self-creation and overall offensive excellence give him a slight edge over Giannis Antetokounmpo. This skill set allows Luka to control the game more and makes him slightly easier to build around. Furthermore, Luka’s consistent availability is another advantage. If Luka can win an MVP award and championship, he could even have a case as the league’s best player.
Keep up with our top 25 list here.
