Luka Doncic just wrapped up an exceptional 2023-24 season, posting averages of 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game, making him the first player in history to average at least 33 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds for an entire season.
While he didn’t secure the MVP award or achieve a triple-double average, he led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. One former All-Star believes Doncic has the potential to elevate his performance even further.
Gilbert Arenas, known for his controversial opinions and criticisms of European players, predicts a standout season for Doncic. During an episode of his show “Gil’s Arena,” he stated:“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t average a triple-double. If you’re already racking up that many assists with your previous teammates, now you have a catch-and-shoot player like Klay Thompson, which will make it easier to get assists.
You should be able to average a triple-double. He’ll likely be the top MVP candidate and do something we haven’t seen in years.”The last player to average a triple-double was Russell Westbrook, who achieved this feat four times within a five-year span from 2016-17 to 2020-21.
Oscar Robertson is the only other player to do so, averaging an impressive 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists during the 1961-62 season. Westbrook won MVP in the first year he averaged a triple-double.If Kyrie Irving remains healthy and Klay Thompson emerges as a reliable third scorer, Doncic might see a decrease in his scoring average compared to last year.
Additionally, rebounds could be more challenging to secure with Daniel Gafford and a more developed Dereck Lively II in the center rotation. Nevertheless, Doncic should be considered a strong MVP contender if the Dallas Mavericks perform up to their expectations.
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