Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is meeting expectations. James Harden of the Houston Rockets is exceeding his. And both are being compared to each other. Harden’s coach, Mike D’Antoni is mostly responsible for his offensive explosions in the last few seasons. While Harden was a decorated scorer pre-D’antoni, the offensive guru’s system has given Harden the environment to succeed as a mastermind of scoring.
So far, Doncic’s all-around game and scoring ability aren’t super far off from Harden’s. But to even be considered says enough: Doncic is averaging 29.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists to Harden’s 38.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. With their all-around games evident, it’s easy to see the parallel between the two. But D’Antoni comments on the comparison put emphasis on their body type and physicality first, and their game second, as the Rockets and Mavs prepare to face off.
D'Antoni continued (laughing): "They both play basketball. [Luka] isn't paid as much as James, but he will be." https://t.co/FJZpdJiSWd
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) November 24, 2019
While the Harden comparison seems ideal, a more efficient Russell Westbrook or baby LeBron James should suffice. The case for Westbrook is easy due to Doncic’s triple-double based game. Doncic is on pace to possibly average a triple-double just as Westbrook did the past three seasons. But Doncic’s James comparison is centered around his basketball IQ and efficient scoring abilities. So far this season, Doncic is shooting 49.3 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from downtown. While he doesn’t have the athletic abilities of James or his Rockets teammate, Westbrook, his basketball pedigree are close rivals to their productivity.
Doncic and Harden are far succeeding in their expectations this season. Perhaps, the best way to settle is actually the better player could be a potential playoff matchup.
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