Luka Doncic is the new face and the future of the Dallas Mavericks at this point. He can be the guy to replace Dirk Nowitzki as the Mavs' franchise player. Rick Carlisle knows this, and he's heading to Doncic's native Slovenia to get to know the teenage phenom, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Coaches making trips overseas to build relationships with new players is becoming commonplace in the NBA. We're seeing it this summer with the New York Knicks' head coach David Fizdale planning to visit Kristaps Porzingis in Latvia. It appears that Carlisle is following suit with his European-born player.

The 19-year-old Slovenian is one of the most highly-touted European prospects in recent memory. The versatile player can play a range of positions; he does a little bit of everything when he's on the court. In 2017-18 in Europe, Doncic averaged 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

The Mavericks plan to use Doncic at any position from the point guard to the power forward. Surely, Carlisle and Doncic will discuss the best way to utilize Doncic's skill set while establishing what they both help will be a long-term relationship.

Regardless, Carlisle's decision to make the trek to Slovenia should go a long way with Doncic. Furthermore, Carlisle should be able to get a good idea of how Doncic is when he is most comfortable. Perhaps he can figure out little ways to help make Doncic comfortable in Dallas and make sure his transition to the United States involves as little stress as possible.