CJ McCollum gives props to Luka Doncic for sterling start to the season: "He is a serious contender for MVP, and he's single-handedly moving games for the Dallas Mavericks"

Luka Doncic is having an outstanding campaign, which has drawn praise from NBA player CJ McCollum on a recent podcast.

Not often do you see players complimenting each other, especially during the season. However, Doncic's dominance has sparked several conversations across the NBA community.

On "The CJ McCollum show," there was a discussion revolving around top players in the NBA, and Doncic's name came up. McCollum believes the Dallas Mavericks point guard is an MVP contender.

"He's showed that he is a serious contender for MVP, and he's single-handedly moving games for the Dallas Mavericks.

McCollum went ahead to highlight a few defensive schemes teams would have to employ to contain Luka Doncic, especially the double-team.

"He's the type of player that you can't give him the same type of coverage the entire game because he's gonna figure it out eventually."

When asked what it is like defending Doncic, McCollum said:

"He is a unique cover because he's like 6'8. So, he's too tall for most point guards, too tall for most shooting guards. And if he's not too tall he's too heavy. Too quick for the four fives but still weighs the same amount."

He added:

"So, it's a weird situation. I don't know if he's 250, I don't know how much he weighs but he's heavy. ... But still has quick bursts, great change of speed, high release, and you know he's going to step back and he still gets to it, but he has a nice variety of counters."

He continued:

"And the ability to draw you in closer to get to the free throw line. ... He's an extremely tough cover who is only going to get better as he gets more comfortable with the American game."

Doncic is ranked second in the latest Kia MVP ladder. He is behind the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokoumpo, who has led the Bucks to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

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Luka Doncic started the 2022-23 campaign with nine consecutive 30-point games

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets

Much has been said about Doncic not taking proper care of his body in the past. However, the All-Star guard has come into this season in peak conditioning.

Doncic has been on a tear in his fifth year in the NBA, leading the league in scoring (33.6 points). He started the season with nine conservative 30+ point games, becoming the player with the second-longest streak. The record is held by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, who had a streak of 23 games.

Although Doncic's streak has come to an end, he is still doing an excellent job leading the charge for the Mavericks. They are on a 6-5 record and sit 7th in the Western Conference standings.

Doncic has the highest usage rate in the league, and fans are hopeful it will not adversely affect the Mavs come playoffs. Kendrick Perkins is worried that the team is leaning too much on Doncic to secure regular-season wins.