Former NBA player Eddie Johnson expressed skepticism about Luka Doncic’s MVP chances, citing concerns about the Slovenian star’s on-court demeanor.
Doncic’s averaging of 34.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game makes a compelling case for MVP consideration.
Johnson highlighted Doncic’s remarkable statistical performance this season but suggested that his behavior may deter some voters.
“Here’s the thing with Luka. I don’t think a lot of the voters like him. And I think that’s what Luka has to improve on,” Johnson said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “And not that he’s not a nice guy. Obviously his teammates like him.
“It’s just his demeanor on the basketball court. I just think he gets into it, he complains a lot. And I think it turns some people off and I think it might turn some voters off.”
While acknowledging Doncic’s talent and impact on the court, Johnson emphasized the importance of perception and likability among MVP voters.
“Because he is having a great year. You cannot ignore it,” he continued. “But it’s something with him that I think, and you just said it that you feel like some voters aren’t going to vote for him, well if some of them are thinking that way, I think a lot of it is because they haven’t gravitated to him and to his way on the basketball court. That’s something he has to change.”
