98 first place votes. And that’s out of 100.

That’s how many Luka Doncic received to be named the 2018-2019 NBA Rookie of the Year.

After the long, awaited announcement following the end of the regular season, we finally got the news last night at the NBA Awards on TNT.

Here's the ROY's speech! pic.twitter.com/uQyVMqz4zi

— x – Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 25, 2019

Let’s start with that. That Awards show was atrocious.

I get it, it’s an obvious pull and attraction for fans and viewers to see who the winners are for the most prestigious individual awards in the league. And I love Shaq as much as anyone but man, the amount of cringe-worthy, try hard jokes was over the top, to say the least.

Also, why do we continue to wait two months after the end of the season to announce these awards? The moment for the MVP when he hoists the MVP trophy in front of his home crowd in the playoffs has been stolen from us. These winners have become sort of an after thought when their announced after the NBA Finals AND the Draft. Adam Silver, make this right.

Back to Luka.

This wasn’t just another rookie hoisting the ROY trophy. This was much more than that. This rookie campaign by Luka was one for the history books.

Luka joined elite company as a rookie, being only the fifth player in NBA history to average 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. And only the second rookie of all-time to average 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, joining Oscar Robertson. Man, shoutout Tyreke Evans.

(via Basketball Reference)

Doncic also became only the second European player to win Rookie of the Year, joining Pau Gasol in 2001-2002.

After all that, and people still truly believed that Trae Young had a chance to be crowned ROY over Luka. Don’t get me wrong, Trae had a great second half of the season. Really special. But, Luka’s consistency throughout the entire season while being the true anchor of this team, watching the other four starters being traded, during the final season of a legend, and still putting the team on his back with spectacular step-back three’s and game winning plays; that’s the Rookie of the Year.

And well, the voters thought so to.

This finally marks the end of the 2018-2019 NBA season and Luka’s rookie campaign. Nike said it best on Twitter following Luka being crowned. “Think that’s crazy? Wait until you see what’s next.”

Just wait.

Think that’s crazy? Wait until you see what’s next.

The 2019 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year: @luka7doncic#NBAAwards #KiaROY #justdoit pic.twitter.com/Taj3tQhcqw

— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) June 25, 2019