Confirmed: Luka Doncic Out of Award Contention but Still Eligible for $346M Deal

The Dallas Mavericks received a significant blow with the announcement that Luka Doncic will be sidelined for at least a month due to a calf strain. While Doncic’s health is the team’s top priority, his extended absence has effectively ended his chances of contending for any major individual awards this season.

NBA rules stipulate that players must participate in at least 65 games during the regular season to qualify for awards such as MVP or All-NBA selections. Having already missed eight games prior to his injury, Doncic is now set to miss at least 16 more games over the next month. This guarantees that he will not reach the minimum 65-game threshold, leaving him out of consideration for accolades he has regularly competed for since entering the league.

A Stellar Yet Shortened Season

Before his injury, Doncic was producing another MVP-caliber campaign, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2 steals per game. His all-around brilliance had kept Dallas competitive in a stacked Western Conference, where the Mavericks currently sit in fourth place with a 19-11 record.

Doncic’s absence is a major loss for the league as well as the Mavericks. Over the past five seasons, he has been a consistent force, averaging over 65 games per season and earning First-Team All-NBA honors every year. His ability to perform at the highest level has cemented his reputation as one of the brightest stars in the NBA.

Despite missing out on awards this season, Doncic’s resume from last year—when he was named to the All-NBA First Team—ensures he remains eligible for a potential supermax extension with Dallas. The deal, which he can sign as early as next summer, would be the largest in NBA history: a five-year, $346 million contract.

Injury-Plagued Campaign

This season has been a challenging one for Doncic, who has been hampered by multiple injuries. Prior to his calf strain, he dealt with knee soreness (missing two games), a wrist injury (five games), and a heel issue (one game). The cumulative wear and tear have finally forced the Mavericks to take a cautious approach, sidelining their star guard to prioritize his long-term health.

Fortunately for Dallas, the team has managed to stay afloat in Doncic’s absence. The Mavericks are 6-2 in games he has missed this season, thanks in large part to the leadership and production of Kyrie Irving.

Kyrie Irving Steps Up

At 32 years old—soon to turn 33—Kyrie Irving is quietly enjoying one of the most efficient seasons of his career. With Doncic sidelined, Irving has embraced a larger leadership role, averaging 24.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in games without his backcourt partner. The Mavericks have gone 6-1 in those matchups, a testament to Irving’s ability to carry the team.

Irving’s approach this season has been markedly different from years past. While his shot attempts have decreased, his offensive efficiency has reached career-best levels. He is currently averaging 24 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with shooting splits of 49.1% from the field, 44.4% from three, and 89.4% from the free-throw line—numbers that place him on the brink of joining the exclusive 180 Club.

Despite his stellar play, Irving will need to take on even greater responsibilities in Doncic’s absence. He must strike a balance between scoring and playmaking to keep Dallas competitive over the next month. Additionally, this stretch presents an opportunity for Irving to reestablish himself as one of the league’s elite players and potentially earn an All-NBA nod for the first time in four years.

Dallas’s Outlook Without Doncic

While the Mavericks have proven they can win without Doncic, the upcoming month presents a grueling challenge. Dallas faces a packed schedule of 16 games, including matchups against top Western Conference rivals. The team’s ability to stay in playoff contention will depend heavily on Irving’s leadership and the contributions of the supporting cast.

The silver lining for Dallas is that Doncic’s absence allows him to recover fully, avoiding the risk of aggravating his injuries. With the playoffs as the ultimate goal, ensuring Doncic returns at 100% will be crucial for the Mavericks to make a deep postseason run.

Doncic’s Future Secured

Despite the disappointment of missing out on individual accolades, Doncic’s long-term prospects remain bright. The looming $346 million supermax extension underscores his value to the Mavericks and the league as a whole. For Dallas, the priority is clear: protecting their franchise cornerstone while maintaining their competitive edge.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Irving and the Mavericks to see how they navigate this critical stretch without their star player. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic can rest easy knowing that his future with the Mavericks is secure, with both team and player poised for even greater success in the years to come.