Here are three bold predictions for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks heading into the second half of the 2023-24 NBA season.
The Dallas Mavericks ended the first half of the regular season with six straight wins. Dallas hopes to regain momentum quickly after the NBA All-Star break.
Luka Doncic and Derek Lively II represented the Mavs at NBA All-Star Weekend. Lively played in the NBA Rising Stars Game and Doncic played in the Western Conference All-Star Game.
The Mavericks are currently scheduled to return to regular season play. Dallas is currently seventh in the West, but has a key game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. The Mavericks will continue to move up in the standings with a win over the Suns.
So what will the second half of the 2023-24 season look like for Dallas? Here are three bold predictions for the Mavericks after the 2024 NBA All-Star break.
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josh green breaks out
Josh Green is enjoying a quietly impressive season. Green has been one of the league's most reliable three-point shooters in recent weeks, and he hopes to continue his strong play in the second half.
Green, just 23 years old, is currently averaging 9.0 points per game on 49.1 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from 3-point range. Although he is still developing in other areas of his game, Green's ability to contribute on the offensive end of the floor will be crucial for the Mavericks.
Green could realistically emerge as Dallas' third offensive star. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving love to drive and kick into the corner when needed, so Green could see an increase in his scoring rate. It wouldn't be surprising to see Green make a name for himself in the playoffs.
The defense will focus on Doncic and Irving, so Green's performance will definitely be important. Green is currently considered one of the most promising young players in the NBA. But he could become an even more recognizable player in the coming months.
Mavericks confirmed playoff berth
The projection states the Mavericks will earn a top-six seed in the Western Conference and ultimately earn a playoff berth rather than a berth in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Dallas is competing for fifth and sixth place in the West, just one game behind the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns. On the other hand, they are seven games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves, who lead the Western Conference.
It is possible to reach at least fifth place. Perhaps Dallas can even reach a top-four team if they continue to play at an elite level. The Mavs' trade deadline acquisitions have paid off so far, and these acquisitions could help establish themselves as a dangerous contender in the West.
Daniel Gafford made an immediate impact on defense on the floor. He also got Dallas on the board with Derek Lively II out. Lively's return will greatly improve Dallas' rebounding ability. Gafford and Lively will play key roles in areas where Dallas has struggled in the past.
PJ Washington Jr. has great offensive ability and important defensive length. His presence on the floor changes the dynamic of this Mavericks team.
Of course, it all starts with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. But right now, the Mavericks have a lot of depth around their star players.
Luka Doncic emerges as the frontrunner for MVP
Doncic doesn't get enough attention in the MVP conversation. He leads the league in scoring and also does well in the rebounding department. He is also an excellent passer and often leaves his teammates open. And Luka stepped forward on the defensive side of the floor.
So why isn't Luka consistently mentioned in MVP conversations?
A win will attract the attention of MVP voters. As a result, first-team players Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are the frontrunners. Of course, Joel Embiid was the favorite before his injury.
For Luka Doncic to be taken seriously in the MVP conversation, the Mavericks need to continue moving up the standings. Realistically, he should already be considered a strong candidate. However, the Mavs are trending in a positive direction, which will make it impossible to ignore Doncic as an MVP candidate in the second half of the 2023-24 season.
Will he win the award? If the Mavs can sneak into a top-four spot and Luka continues to perform at an elite level, there's no reason he can't be at least among the top three MVP finalists.
It's up to the voters, but Doncic has a good chance of winning the award. Dallas' play over the next few months will go a long way in determining how much MVP consideration he receives.
