Luka Doncic Wins 2019 Rookie of the Year Award

© 2019 Miss Ari Photography

Luka Doncic warms up for a Dallas game at American Airlines Center.

The Dallas Mavericks officially have a Rookie of the Year. Luka Doncic was crowned with the NBA honor at tonight’s 2019 NBA Awards. Jason Kidd is the only other Dallas player to hold the honor.

The Mavericks acquired their star as part of a draft-night trade one year ago. That evening, spectators watched Oklahoma point guard Trae Young dealt to the Atlanta Hawks. That night began a year full of comparison between Doncic and Young. Both Young and the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft DeAndre Ayton were finalists for Rookie of the Year.

The 20-year-old Slovenia native, while new to the NBA is no rookie when it comes to skill and honors. Doncic has already won EuroLeague MVP and EuroLeague Final Four MVP while playing overseas for Real Madrid.

Doncic entered the NBA very well prepared for the aggressive competition, perhaps giving him a slight advantage over both Young and Ayton. His rookie season was complete with an average of 21.2 points per game, including averages of 7.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.3 three-point shots and 1.1 steals in 72 games played for the Mavericks.

Dallas fans, as well as NBA enthusiasts around the world are eager to see how Doncic pairs with Kristaps Porzingis next season, beginning the post-Nowitzki era.