After an impressive run to the NBA Finals last season, the Dallas Mavericks have high expectations for the upcoming year. And now, NBA legend Tracy McGrady has weighed in with a major prediction about Luka Doncic and the Mavericks’ chances.
With the new season just days away, McGrady didn’t hesitate to name his pick for the 2024 MVP, putting Doncic at the top of his list.
“I’m gonna go based off the season he had last year, leading his team to the Finals. I think coming back this year, he’s gonna be even hungrier,” McGrady said. “I look at a guy like Luka Doncic that I feel will be this year’s MVP. A guy that leads his team in a lot of categories.”
“Point guard for his team, facilitator for his team, scorer for his team,” McGrady continued. “He’s a guy that I think every year coming into the NBA season, you can always consider him as an MVP candidate. But I think coming into this season, it’ll be Luka Doncic’s MVP to lose.”
DALLAS, TEXAS – MAY 26: Luka Doncic #77 and P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrate during the final minute of the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Cooper Neill/Getty Images
McGrady also praised the Mavericks’ key offseason addition of Klay Thompson. “I think Dallas is gonna be a very good team, adding Klay Thompson,” McGrady said. “So, I look for Dallas to do some big things. Possibly seeing them back in the Finals, with Luka being this year’s MVP.“
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Doncic on Thompson’s arrival in Dallas
Klay Thompson, after 13 years and four championships with the Golden State Warriors, is set to start a new chapter with the Mavericks. On media day, Doncic shared his excitement about the sharpshooter joining the squad.
“Unbelievable,” Doncic said when asked about Thompson signing with the team. “He’s a four-time champion, an amazing player, so I was very excited when he signed with us. I can’t wait to play with him.”
Doncic also highlighted how crucial Thompson’s shooting will be for Dallas. “You basically can’t help off him. When me and [Kyrie Irving] have the ball, you can’t leave Klay open because if you do, he’s going to make the shot. The spacing he creates is going to be huge for us.”
