Ranking Washington Wizards’ Hachimura among tonight’s MVP candidates

1. Luka Doncic

Here he is, mister number one, Luka Doncic. I’m going a bit against myself with this pick, but I just think he’s a once in a generation type talent and it’s hard to ignore.

The way he plays the game, and makes flashy plays and just generally good basketball plays, seems so effortless. In a game that probably won’t feature much effort, Doncic fits right in.

He’s the biggest competition to Rui Hachimura on Team World, quite obviously, and if they win he’s a shoe-in for the honors even if he doesn’t play his best game ever.

But here’s a bold prediction you may not have seen coming: Even if they lose, Doncic takes home the MVP honors. As mentioned before, it’s never been done before and I’m not even sure it’s okay by the rules. But if anyone deserved it, it would be Luka Doncic.

Dude is just absolutely cold-blooded, and so deceptively quick in his decision-making. He’s having an insane season, and he’s going to be playing on a different speed than the rest of these guys, even Zion Williamson.

Depending on how things shake out, Luka may even snag MVP of the whole league when all is said and done, so he’s my overall favorite to win the Rising Stars challenge MVP.