The 2018-19 season was meant to be the ultimate passing of the baton from one great European to an aspiring one, but the transition has been much different than Dirk Nowitzki teaching Luka Doncic how to transition into the NBA game, having done the work all by his lonesome.
Nowitzki argues Doncic doesn't need to be under his wing or anyone else's, showing incredible maturity for a guy still in his teens.
“He is not under my wing because he’s not under anyone’s wing,” Nowitzki told Martin Rogers of USA TODAY Sports. “It is not some guy coming in and being intimidated and figuring things out. He is a really good player who believes in himself and it shows. I want him to do great, but he doesn’t need me to hold his hand. It is hard to believe he is 19.”
Doncic is the leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award and one that will be extremely tough to top with averages of 20.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists — by far the most versatile stat line from this year's draft class.
The Slovenian wonder has also helped accelerate the Mavs' transition into a playoff contender, as the franchise recently overhauled its roster by getting rid of every starter but Doncic ahead of the trade deadline.
“He’s ready,” Nowitzki added, when asked about Doncic’s capacity to handle any new challenges NBA life might throw at him.
If Nowitzki does retire after this season, he is leaving the Mavericks in the hands of a capable star, mature beyond his years.
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