Stan Van Gundy agrees to become New Orleans Pelicans' coach – The Denver Post

Former NBA head coach and commentator Stan Van Gundy recently stirred up the basketball world by declaring Luka Doncic as possibly the greatest offensive player in NBA history.

“I think the best offensive player now that I’ve ever seen is Luka Doncic… I did see MJ. I don’t think there’s anything the guy can’t do offensively. He’s huge, he’s 6’8″, and big. He shoots the ball from deep. I wouldn’t have said this even a year-and-a-half or two years ago, but he’s become a more consistent shooter from range… He can drive the ball from the perimeter, he can score in the post, and he’s one of the best passers we have ever had in the league. There’s literally no one that can match up with him.”

Van Gundy was quick to clarify that he wasn’t suggesting Doncic is the greatest of all time overall, but rather focusing solely on offensive prowess.

“When we incorporate both ends of the floor, there are guys I would say have been better players than he is now. But strictly as an offensive player, I think he’s the best I’ve ever seen.”

Facing criticism for seemingly overlooking basketball legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Van Gundy elaborated on why he rates Doncic’s offensive skills so highly.

“Had Jordan come up in this game, he may have shot the three as frequently and as well as Doncic does. It just wasn’t a volume 3-point league, so maybe he would have eaten him up on that part. Jordan wasn’t a bad passer, but he wasn’t Luka Doncic as a passer. He did not have Luka’s size or strength. I’m not trying to demean Michael Jordan in any way or LeBron James, but Luka Doncic is a different level to me offensively.”

Despite the debate, there’s no denying Doncic’s incredible performance this season. With averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, he’s on track to clinch his first NBA scoring title. Additionally, the Mavericks’ secure position as the No. 5 seed and their attainment of over 50 wins for the second time in Doncic’s career further solidify his impact on the court.

Nikola Jokic Said Luka Doncic Deserves To Win MVP

After a thrilling showdown between the Nuggets and Mavericks, which saw Dallas clinch victory with a miraculous buzzer-beater from Kyrie Irving, Nikola Jokic voiced his support for his close friend, Luka Doncic, to win the MVP award.

Doncic certainly presents a compelling case, boasting the highest average of combined points, rebounds, and assists in the modern era over a season. Despite comparisons to Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander based on team records, Doncic remains within striking distance, trailing by 5-7 wins, despite contending with one of the most injury-plagued supporting casts in the Western Conference this season.

The Mavericks organization has been actively advocating for Doncic’s MVP candidacy, evident in their ‘Pravi MVP’ (True MVP) t-shirts worn during shootaround ahead of their game against the Miami Heat. Furthermore, their official social media channels and owner Mark Cuban’s personal Twitter have incessantly promoted Doncic’s MVP credentials.

While both Jokic and Doncic present compelling cases, it appears increasingly likely that Jokic will secure his third MVP trophy in the coming weeks, with Gilgeous-Alexander anticipated to finish third. Despite Doncic’s late-season surge, it seems he may ultimately settle for the third spot in the MVP race.