After Winning 2019 ROY, Sportsbooks List Luka Doncic’s 2020 NBA MVP Odds at +1600; He’s Available at +5000 Elsewhere
- Luka Doncic won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2019
- But his Dallas Mavericks (33-49) finished second-last in the Western Conference
- The Mavs have added Kristaps Porzingis and other key pieces that could lead to a big improvement
Luka Doncic is the reigning Rookie of the Year and looks to be a sure bet to be a superstar in the NBA. Those things we know. As for his 2020 MVP odds, however, those numbers are all over the map.
Luka Doncic 2020 NBA MVP Odds
| Player | Book 1 Odds | Book 2 Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | +1600 | +5000 |
*odds taken 7/22
Doncic Ready To Take Next Step In Year 2
As a rookie, Doncic averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Those numbers are crazy-good for a rookie. How good? Lebron James had 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists as a rookie. Yes, the NBA has changed over the years but it’s undeniable Doncic was better than James across the board.
21.2 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 6.0 APG
?? @luka7doncic’s 2018-19 #KiaROY mixtape! ?? pic.twitter.com/c5bvcu6tVq
— NBA (@NBA) June 25, 2019
Doncic compiled those stats with little help on the Dallas roster. Now he has Kristaps Porzingis as a teammate which should only help his numbers, especially his assist totals. Adding Seth Curry and Dwight Powell as secondary options should be a benefit as well. The additions to the roster plus another year of personal growth should see Doncic’s numbers move in a northern direction.
Can Mavericks Contend For A Playoff Spot?
Dallas plays in the loaded Western Conference. The top contenders loaded up and even teams who missed the playoffs like the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings have reason to be optimistic heading into the season.
That said, the Mavericks can absolutely contend for a playoff spot. It’s unlikely Doncic could contend for the MVP without a post-season performance, so he’ll need that in addition to gaudy statistics.
NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki played goalie in a charity match in Germany today ?⚽ pic.twitter.com/ne5VdZByYF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 21, 2019
Last season, Dallas finished 33-49 so there is lots of ground to cover, but that’s a good thing here. If Doncic can take this new-look roster from 33 wins to a playoff spot, he’ll get votes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo needed the league’s best record to win the award last year, but a heroic performance from Doncic dragging his team from 14th in the West to a playoff spot could be enough.
Load Management Not In The Cards For Doncic
Many of the top stars are going with a load management approach. In fact, it almost seems like the narrative has changed so much players consider sitting out when healthy proof they are so important the rest is needed.
With Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard and other contenders likely to miss games even if they stay healthy, the door could be open for Doncic. Playing on a Dallas team that will need every win possible to reach the playoffs, they can’t afford to have him missing games.
Boban Marjanovic has agreed to a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. (Via The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/QjXrjxDDH4
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 3, 2019
While you might prefer the talent or chances of the other top contenders, there’s little denying that betting on the Slovenian superstar at +5000 is a great value play. If you agree with these arguments, I’d lean on getting your money in now before the odds move.
PICK: Luka Doncic MVP (+5000)
Ryan has been working at TSN for over eleven years, and is now a lead writer and content producer at That's Hockey. Over the years, he's launched and hosted TSN's first NCAAF podcast, The College Football Show, and been featured on the likes of TSN 1050, Sportscentre, and That's Hockey 2Nite.
