Luka Doncic vs. Ja Morant is the new LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry. Their characters are completely different, but the way analysts and fans pit them against each other is the same. The next-generation duo is only 25 years old, but they are currently ranked in the top ten in the league where LeBron, Steph, and Kevin Durant still play, Ja and Luka piped them to the top.
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Like it or not, the new generation is here—and for a while. Even Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s been in the league for ten years now, is only 28. The comparisons to the old guard will always be there, just like how Bron and Kobe get compared to Michael Jordan.
It feels weird not to have Bron-Steph-KD in the MVP race, but having Ja Morant over Luka Doncic seems a bit out of place. Ja has been great, no doubt, but are we disregarding Luka’s contributions because he hasn’t contributed to the defense? Come on, Michael Wilbon, do your research.
The Maverick from Dallas currently averages 1.9 steals per game and 0.6 blocks. In comparison, Ja only has 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks. Even when the size advantage is removed, Luka has the highest defensive rating of any PG, yet he has no impact on defense, according to the presenter.
Also Read: Luka Doncic is Reminiscent of 2019 James Harden, as Mavericks Make Shot Selection History
Michael Wilbon is only here to create a storm – the NBA countdown needed TRP and he brought it
Lane Kiffin schooled him on his previous mishits with the football. This time around, he had Stephen A. Smith on his side. The perennial flip-flopper flipped again, listening to Wilbon’s take on Steph Curry.
They all agreed that Jayson Tatum has been the best in the league this season. Leading his team to the best record in the league, Tatum has a point to prove. Losing out in the finals seems to have spurred him on.
Luka Doncic is becoming severely underrated – nobody seems to be taking him seriously enough
Luka Doncic is leading the league in points and has improved his defense massively. The Slovenian has only played 25 games this season, but he is already halfway to matching his steals total from last year.
He’s also leading the league in total win shares, with 4.2. Most of them have come from his offensive efforts, but Jason Kidd’s team is thankful for his contributions on the defensive end.
Ja Morant has a much better team around him; last year, they had a better win percentage without him than with him. That doesn’t undermine his contributions; it only means that his team can survive without him.
Luka, on the other hand, does not. He’s been pouty about a couple of signings, or lack thereof, but he’s still doing his part.
Not an MVP candidate? You need to reconsider your thoughts, Michael Wilbon.
