Dallas Mavericks: Coach Carlisle and J.J. Barea praise Luka Doncic

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle and veteran point guard J.J. Barea both heaped significant praise on rookie Luka Doncic.

The Dallas Mavericks spent heavily to acquire European standout Luka Doncic.  They traded the fifth overall pick and their 2019 first round selection to move up to acquire the 19-year-old reigning EuroLeague MVP.

That alone shows the Mavs have faith that Doncic is going to be a difference maker.  He is a 6’8 wing that can pass like a point guard and has four years of professional experience in Europe.  Doncic is used to winning and the Mavericks expect that to carry over into the NBA.

Barea already praising Doncic’s game

Luka Doncic arrived in Dallas on Sept. 4 to begin preparing for his rookie season.  Training camp does not kick off until Sept. 21, but Doncic wanted to come early and get to know his teammates.  It did not take the Slovenian sensation long to make an impression.

J.J. Barea is entering his 13th season in NBA.  He won a championship with Dallas in 2011 and has seen a lot of basketball in his 34 years.  Barea sent some massive props Doncic’s way after just a few days of working out with him at the gym.  You can read the full quotes here.

Mavs fans should be pumped to watch Doncic play after reading what Barea had to say.  The 19-year-old could truly be special even during his rookie campaign.

Coach Carlisle hyped too

If that was not enough, head coach Rick Carlisle dropped some advice for Mavericks fans.  Carlisle does not want fans to miss out on watching Doncic.  That should add even more excitement about the upcoming season.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle and point guard J.J. Barea both provided some significant praise on rookie Luka Doncic.

Mavs fans should be hyped that all signs point to Doncic standing out even as a rookie.  That could enough to propel Dallas back into contention in a deep Western Conference.  Stay tuned to see what Luka Doncic can do this season.

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