Dallas Mavericks president and general manager Donnie Nelson seemed ecstatic that Luka Doncic was named as a starter in the NBA All-Star Game. Nelson described that Doncic taking mantle off legend Dirk Nowitzki is relieving for the organization.
Per Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News.
“You know, it’s relieving,” he said. “In my industry, I’m happy when my head coach and my owner are happy, and when my fans are happy. “In giving Dirk the proper sendoff, it wasn’t perfect the last couple of years, and we understand that. … Luka is our quarterback. To have him play like he does at the age of 20 and to represent the city and the franchise, it’s really kind of storybook stuff.
Doncic will become the sixth-youngest starter for an NBA All-Star Game at 20 years old. He'll also become the youngest starter since LeBron James in 2005.
Nelson goes on to express that he gives credit to team owner Mark Cuban on drafting Luka Doncic.
“We’re grateful. We are appreciative. We are excited about the future. And the credit goes to the guy who gave the thumbs up in the draft room – and that’s Mr. Mark Cuban.”
Doncic has played phenomenal this season as he's averaging an astonishing 29.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. The 20-year-old is shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from behind the arc.
The Mavericks are currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 27-16. Doncic will become the youngest European to participate in the NBA All-Star Game in NBA history.
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