Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki gives glowing report on Luka Doncic

Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki spoke on radio on Sept. 11.  He gave his initial scouting report on rookie Luka Doncic and the words were glowing.

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki appeared on 105.3 The Fan’s Ben and Skin radio show with the intention of promoting the Dirk Nowitzki Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic with the funds going to Dirk’s foundation. The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation helps children with things such as food, health, and education.

For more information on the event and how you can attend, check out Dirk’s tweet here.

Of course, Ben and Skin had to see if they could get some thoughts out of the future Hall-of-Famer on Rick Carlisle‘s new weapon Luka Doncic. His insight into Luka’s game was nothing short of glowing. Here are some of the quotes from the big man on the rookie Slovenian.

Nowitzki believes Doncic is special

Dirk on Luka being better than him at his age:

"“I could shoot a little bit, but I never had the court vision, the savviness and the stuff that he brings to the game. Just the way he already reads the pick-and-roll … like Chris Paul and these guys do. … He’s going to be fun to watch especially with a big like DeAndre [Jordan] rolling to the rim, Dwight [Powell] rolling to the rim. … He’s going to pick some defenses apart, and it should be fun to watch.”"

Nowitzki on what he saw from Luka in scrimmages:

"“He’s scrimmaged every day, works hard. I really like what I’m seeing. He’s incredible with the ball for a big guy. … He’s unbelievable in pick-and-roll play. … The court vision is already unbelievable. I couldn’t believe what I saw for a 19/20-year-old. Unbelievable. He’s a good shooter when he has time, and I think he’s going to be great for us for a long, long time.”"

Dirk on Luka’s unique ability at his size:

"“The combination of court vision and size is something I haven’t seen in my twenty years.”"

Wow. Just wow. Of course, Dirk Nowitzki wasn’t going to say anything negative about someone the Mavs just invested so much of our future into, but this is some lofty praise for a young man.

Dirk also went on to clarify that Luka is every bit of 6’8″ or 6’9″ and has a surprisingly big frame (despite NBA 2K19 disrespecting the rookie by listing him as 6’6″).

DSJ looking good too

Dirk also answered a question about Dennis Smith Jr. that should have Mavericks fans plenty excited. Dirk had this to say about the second-year point guard:

"“He looks even more explosive than last year, if you can believe that. He’s shooting it much better too.”"

No Dirk, I’m not sure fans can believe that but they certainly hope you are right. If Dirk’s thoughts are any indication of the truth, the future of the Dallas Mavericks are in good hands.

Final thoughts

The assessment of Luka Doncic lines up with some of the things J.J. Barea said earlier in the week about the rookie and supports Carlisle’s claim that those who don’t buy season tickets are “going to sorely regret it.”

It’ll be very exciting to see how all the new pieces come together this season. The playoffs certainly seem like a more realistic goal by the week. They may be on the outside looking in at the moment, but much stranger things have happened in the NBA. The NBA Preseason can’t come soon enough!