Tim Hardaway Says Luka Doncic Was ‘Robbed’ of MVP — Predicts 2025-26 Breakthrough Win
NBA legend Tim Hardaway isn’t holding back when it comes to his thoughts on Luka Dončić and the MVP race. In a recent interview, Hardaway emphatically stated that the Dallas Mavericks superstar “should probably have won it two years ago,” referring to what many considered a snub in the 2023-24 MVP voting. Now, he believes the time has finally come.
“Luka’s been playing at an MVP level for a while,” Hardaway said. “He does everything — scoring, passing, rebounding, making his teammates better. If the Mavericks have a strong season, there’s no way they can deny him again.”
Dončić has consistently put up eye-popping numbers since entering the league, and his 2024-25 campaign was no different. Averaging over 30 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds per game, he continues to be the engine that drives Dallas. Still, the MVP trophy has eluded him — often due to team record or voter fatigue leaning toward fresher narratives.
Hardaway, a five-time All-Star and former Mavs player, believes this season will be different. “He’s matured, his game has evolved, and he’s hungry,” he said. “If Dallas finishes top three in the West, he’s got it.”
With MVP conversations already heating up as the 2025-26 season tips off, Dončić is firmly in the spotlight. Whether he finally secures the elusive hardware remains to be seen, but with endorsements like Hardaway’s, the momentum is building.
One thing is certain: if Luka keeps putting up video game numbers and the Mavericks contend, ignoring him this time may be impossible. As Hardaway put it bluntly: “He’s been the MVP — it’s time the league catches up.”
