Dallas Mavericks: Coach Carlisle compares Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle compared Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki on Sunday

The Dallas Mavericks were back at practice on July 19. They are preparing for the season’s restart. Luka Doncic will lead the Mavs into the first game that counts on July 31 against the Houston Rockets.

Fans have seen the team living it up in the bubble so far. The Mavericks have been bonding as a team by fishing, golfing, and playing games. Supporters have marveled at Luka’s trick shots too.

After practice on Sunday, head coach Rick Carlisle met with the media. He shared a ton including comparing Luka Doncic to Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki. Let us take a closer

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle compares Luka Doncic to Dirk Nowitzki and more

Carlisle was asked about how Luka compares to the Mavericks GOAT. See his response below.

"“An intense desire to win. An intense desire to be a great teammate, and to be categorically a leader, but in his own way. Dirk was more of a quiet leader. Luka is emerging as more of a vocal leader than Dirk was.”"

Let’s hope that Luka tops Dirk’s first playoff experience. The 2001 Mavericks defeated the Jazz in the first round before falling to the Spurs in round two. Doncic will be looking to take the Mavs further in Orlando.

Carlisle went on to mention the fact that Doncic is point guard changes things a bit. Luka has the ball a lot more.

Carlisle also had this to say about Doncic as the playoffs get closer.

"“I continue to see him raising the level of his game in all areas and refining his game in all areas and just going really hard. When the best players go hard, the whole team goes hard. That’s one reason we have had really terrific practices from the start until now.”"

Supporters can watch Carlisle’s entire press conference from July 19 here.

Fans also got a glimpse of Luka having his shot locked in during Sundays’ practice.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1284929865142210561

Expect Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks to be ready when the games kick-off. The Mavs want to be the surprise team of NBA Disney. Every player appears to be having fun and getting ready for a run in Orlando.

The Smoking Cuban will continue to provide fans with everything they desire from the restart, so keep it locked to the site for all the latest.