How did Luka Doncic fare in his rookie year statistically? All you need to know
Luka Doncic is having the best season of his career, averaging 33.4 points, 8.5 assists, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.
His spectacular performances this season have made him an MVP candidate. Everyone knew how special the Slovenian superstar would be since his rookie year, but how did he fare in his first year in the NBA?
Looking back at Luka Doncic's Rookie Year
Luka Doncic was selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He was then traded on draft night to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young. It was a win-win trade, as both superstars flourished in their respective team. That's especially true for Doncic, as he's having an MVP-caliber season. Looking back at his rookie year, he was already something special.
Luka Doncic's NBA debut was a bit disappointing, though. Against the Phoenix Suns, he only scored 10 points in 32 minutes. It was clearly an off night for the youngsters, and it's probable he had the jitters coming into the game. However, the young Doncic quickly redeemed himself, putting up 26 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in his next game.
Since then, there has no turning back for the Slovenian. In just his seventh game, Doncic achieved his first 30-point outing. In the Mavs' clash against the San Antonio Spurs, he accumulated 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
On November 11, 2018, Doncic recorded his first career double-double against the Memphis Grizzlies. He had 15 points and 10 rebounds, but the Mavs lost 98-88. On January 21, 2019, Doncic achieved his first career triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks, recording 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, albeit in a 116-106 defeat.
Luka Doncic's highest-scoring game of that season took place on January 27, 2019, when the Mavs lost 123-120 to the Toronto Raptors. Doncic was brilliant on the court with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He shot an efficient 58.3%, but his efforts weren't enough to get past the Raptors, who would go on to win the championship that year.
Overall Doncic had an incredible debut season, though, averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, six assists and 1.1 steals per game. That helped him win the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year award.