DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki played his 21st and final NBA season in 2018-19, commemorating Luka Doncic's rookie season. Doncic's progression since then includes going from rookie to four-time All-NBA First Team selection while solidifying his spot on the First Team for a fifth time.
“My last year was his first season,” Nowitzki said of Doncic, via Mavs.com. “I mean, what a talent, what a player he is.”
April 9, 2019; Dallas, Texas, USA.Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77) and forward Dirk Nowitzki
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nowitzki admitted he didn't expect Doncic, who averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds this season, to reach the incredible level of performance he's currently displaying. Watching the Slovenian superstar in action, Nowitzki is always amazed by his sheer talent.
“I had no idea he was this good. He seems to be getting better every year,” Nowitzki said. You always think you've seen everything, and once this kid does something in a game, he's like, what is he doing? His creativity and IQ and the way he reads the game and the skill to get it done is unbelievable. ”
Reflecting on the growth and improved collaboration between Kyrie Irving and Doncic, Nowitzki believes the duo's enhanced chemistry and on-court tactical interactions have improved their game and made strides in strengthening the team's overall performance. emphasized.
“Since last year, Kyrie and Luka understand each other better, play better and know when to be aggressive and when to hold off,” Nowitzki said. “They understand each other better.”
As the first round of the playoff series approaches, Dirk Nowitzki expressed both excitement and some caution about the Mavericks' chances against the Los Angeles Clippers. His official prediction was for Dallas to win in six games.
“I'm looking forward to the playoffs,” Nowitzki said. “We're playing our best basketball at the right times. … The Clippers are always tough against us. We have a lot of length on the perimeter, because they have a lot of guys who can throw to Luka. , it's going to be a fun series. We haven't found the real answer to Kawai yet.
“So it'll be fun, but I think the Mavs are in sixth place.”
Doncic will aim to lead the Mavericks past the Clippers in the opening round of the playoffs, which begins this Sunday, April 21st.
