Luka Doncic completed his first season in the NBA without getting to experience the playoffs, but he could still end the year on a high note if he is named the league’s Rookie of the Year. While Doncic would be pleased if he receives the honor, he does not seem all that concerned about it.
Doncic is considered the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, but Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is also a contender. When asked this week what the Rookie of the Year Award would mean to him, Doncic seemed indifferent.
“Obviously I want to win, but honestly I don’t care,” Doncic told Diaro AS, via a translation from Eurohoops.net.
By that, Doncic likely means winning and reaching the postseason are more important goals for him. He also said he is planning to disappear from social media for a while this offseason to focus on training so “next year will be different” for the Mavs.
“I realized that it would be (difficult) this year as well, but next year will be different,” the 20-year-old said. “We are are building something special and I know that next season will be different.”
Doncic averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in his first NBA season. Young averaged 19.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 8.1 assists, so both players had fantastic seasons. However, Doncic has already gotten an emphatic endorsement from the reining NBA Rookie of the Year, and most people feel he was the best rookie in the league this past season. Whether he cares about the award or not, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t get to add it to his trophy case.
