Mavs news: Luka Doncic on pace to reach rare rookie feat last done by Grant Hill

Mavs forward Luka Doncic is setting the bar high. In fact, the Slovenian-born star is on pace to break Grant Hill's rookie season marks.

Some NBA players struggle to find a rhythm in their rookie season, but Mavs forward Luka Doncic is setting the bar high. In fact, the Slovenian-born star is on pace to break Grant Hill's rookie season averages, according to a report from Justin Kubatko of StatMuse.

Doncic has become an increasingly important piece of Dallas' rotation, to be sure. In his 27 appearances with the team (all starts), the 19-year-old has racked up averages of 18.2 points on 43.5 percent shooting from the field (35.8 percent from beyond the arc), 6.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 32.4 minutes per outing.

Hill, one of the all-time NBA greats, was the last rookie to average at least 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal for a full season. Other players that have achieved this feat include Michael Jordan (1984-85), Larry Bird (1979-80), Magic Johnson (1979-80), and Alvan Adams (1975-76).

Luka Doncic is averaging 18.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. The last rookie to average at least 18/6/4 for a full season is Grant Hill in 1994-95. pic.twitter.com/daXRE8LHLj

— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) December 17, 2018

The Atlanta Hawks selected Doncic with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, he was later traded to the Mavs in exchange for the draft rights to Trae Young and a protected future first-round pick in 2019 — a deal that seems to be working out rather well for both teams.

Though the Mavs were defeated on Sunday, 120-113, Sacramento Kings head coach had high praise for Luka's potential and style of play.

“He's got a lot of different skills and I think he's going to become a heck of a shooter,” Joerger said of Doncic before Sunday's game. “And when that happens, it's going to make him quicker. He's got good ballhandling and he knows how to play.

“Perhaps there was an idea that there was a ceiling on him,” Joerger added. “I don't see it, unfortunately for us. But he's great for them and he's great for our league.”

Doncic and the Mavs will be back in action on Tuesday when they'll travel to Denver for a matchup against the Nuggets. Tip-off inside the Pepsi Center is set for 9:00 p.m. EST.