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Dirk Nowitzki Praises Luka Doncic as Genius

2026-06-23 · Dirk Nowitzki · Player Focus

Dirk Nowitzki Praises Luka Doncic as Genius

Dirk Nowitzki praises Luka Doncic as a genius, recalling his early NBA days. The former power forward has been closely mentoring his ex-team Dallas Mavericks.

What happened?

Dirk Nowitzki was surprised by the Mavs trading Luka Doncic, but he continued mentoring him. He reflected on Doncic's genius, saying "He wasn’t a typical normal 17 and 18 year old, he was a genius".

Why it matters for Dirk Nowitzki

Doncic's skills were evident from the first practice, with "the way he reads the game, the way he plays the game at that age was incredible". Dirk Nowitzki added that Doncic "was just ahead of his time and he was just so good already".

What comes next?

The Lakers' star guard is facing a frustrating stretch, but Dirk Nowitzki's praise comes at a much-needed time. The Lakers are eyeing to build the Dallas 2.0 around Doncic, with Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic partnering in an NBA Europe franchise. Dirk Nowitzki will invest in a project to bring a major franchise to Rome, with the NBA Europe league launching in the 2027-28 season. The league will feature 16 teams, including 12 permanent franchises and four clubs that qualify through domestic competitions or international tournaments. As of February 11, 2026, the investor group includes Luka Doncic and several other basketball figures with connections to the Mavericks organization. Dirk Nowitzki's partnership with Luka Doncic in the NBA Europe franchise is a significant development. The coming time will be crucial for the Lakers and the NBA Europe league. Dirk Nowitzki's experience and Luka Doncic's skills will be essential for the success of the franchise. The NBA and FIBA are working together to create a new continental competition. The league will provide a new platform for basketball players and fans in Europe. Dirk Nowitzki's involvement in the NBA Europe franchise is a testament to his commitment to the sport. He will continue to mentor and support Luka Doncic in his career. The partnership between Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic is a significant step forward for the NBA Europe franchise. It will be exciting to see how the franchise develops in the coming years.

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