DALLAS — Luka Doncic is preparing for his first ever NBA Finals appearance. Doncic entered the league when Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was nearing the end of his career. Nowitzki helped Doncic during their brief time playing together, and Luka addressed Dirk's impact on him while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

“I remember my first year when I came here it was surreal to be on the same team as Dirk Nowitzki,” Doncic said. “I wish I could play with him more. His last season, my first, was an amazing experience. Helped me a lot especially coming into the NBA not knowing what to expect… So it helped me a lot seeing him work everyday even in his last season the amount of work he put in and everything.”

Has Dirk given Luka any advice for the 2024 NBA Finals yet?

“Not yet, not yet,” Doncic said.

Doncic is on track to becoming a legend in Dallas as well. He's already built a Hall of Fame-caliber career. It would not be surprising to see a statue built of Doncic next to Nowitzki's statue someday.

Of course, winning a championship is how any star can cement their legacy with a franchise. Doncic is four victories away from doing so, while Nowitzki led Dallas to a championship in 2011.

What Luka Doncic can learn from Dirk Nowitzki's Mavericks championship

Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77) meets with former player Dirk Nowitzki following the 114-100 victory at Staples Center.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It goes without saying, but the 2010-11 Mavericks and 2023-24 Mavericks feature a lot of differences. Still, Doncic can potentially learn from Nowitzki's run with Dallas that season. Both players are leading talented teams that were often considered to be underdogs.

“I think patience,” Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said of what Doncic can learn from Nowitzki. “Just understanding Dirk, it took him two times to get there. Just patience… I think Game 6, he didn't have a great first-half. He wanted it so bad that he was pressing a little bit. I thinking coming in the second-half he relaxed a little bit and let the game come to him. I think it's just patience.

“Trusting that you've done all the hard-work and now it's just about your talent and putting your team in a position to win. And Luka has done that here in the last three series and so hopefully he can do it again.”

Learning from a superstar like Dirk Nowitzki has only helped Luka Doncic's career. Doncic said Nowitzki has not given him advice for the NBA Finals yet, but it would not be surprising if that changed before Thursday's Game 1.