Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki told Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on the “All The Smoke” podcast that he was skeptical about Luka Doncic at first.
However, it didn’t take long for Nowitzki to realize that he was wrong about Doncic.
Doncic’s rookie season (2018-19) was Nowitzki’s final season in the NBA. Doncic averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists as a rookie and won the Rookie of the Year Award.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Nowitzki, who made 14 All-Star teams and 12 All-NBA teams with the Mavericks, finished his career with averages of 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. The Hall of Famer won the 2007 MVP Award and the 2011 Finals MVP Award.
Doncic has career averages of 27.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists with the Mavericks. He’s already made four All-Star teams and four All-NBA teams. Doncic is the Mavericks’ franchise leader in triple-doubles, points per game, player efficiency rating, assist percentage, usage percentage, box plus/minus and offensive box plus/minus.
Nowitzki is the greatest player in Mavericks history. He’s first in franchise history in games, minutes, field goals, 3-point field goals, free throws, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, total rebounds, blocks, points, offensive win shares, defensive win shares, win shares and value over replacement player.
The Mavericks have won two postseason series with Luka. Doncic has career postseason averages of 32.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
It will be interesting to see if the Mavericks can make it to the second round this year with Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the way.
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