Nov 2, 2018; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77)is introduced before the game against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Just because you weren’t born in the United States doesn’t mean you can’t ball. We’ve known that for a long time since so many skillful players have ventured far from home to play in the NBA like Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, and Kristaps Porzingis, to name just a few.
The newest addition to that list of greats is EuroLeague sensation just might be Luka Doncic. Named EuroLeague’s MVP last season, Doncic has been on the radar of NBA teams for years despite not even being 20 years old yet.
Prior to this past June’s NBA Draft, pundits said Doncic might just be the best international prospect ever. As the Slovenian via Spain gets comfortable with playing in the NBA and the Dallas Mavericks, he’s proving those experts knew what they were talking about. He’s the leading candidate to win Rookie of the Year after getting off to a hot start. And while you obviously know he’s taken his talents to the NBA, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the future of the Mavericks franchise.
How tall is Luka Doncic?
Luka Doncic, born February 28, 1999, is listed 6’7” and 220 pounds. Though most point guards in the NBA are not as tall as Doncic, his passing ability and quickness make him a huge threat at the position.
Where is Luka Doncic from?
Doncic is from Ljubljana, Slovenia. His family is of Serbian descent and is native to the Klina region in Kosovo. At a young age, Doncic was obsessed with the game of basketball. His parents say that at as early as seven months Doncic was asking for a basketball. To appease him, that they gave him a ball and plastic basketball hoop to practice on, beginning his deep affection for the sport.
How big is Luka Doncic's family?
Doncic’s parents, Sasa Doncic and Mirjam Poterbin, were both professional athletes. His father played basketball in Slovenian and European Leagues and his mother was a hurdler.
What team selected Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft?
Doncic was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA Draft. Once he was drafted by the Hawks, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young, the No. 5 overall draft pick, and a future first-round pick.
How much is Luka Doncic’s rookie contract worth?
Luka Doncic signed with Bill Duffy and BDA Sports, a global agency that has also signed other international stars such as Yao Ming and Matthew Dellavedova. Doncic signed a four-year, $32.6 million contract with the Mavericks and is set to receive $5.5 million in his rookie season.
When did Luka Doncic start playing organized basketball?
When Doncic was 8, his father was a player at Slovenian professional basketball club, Union Olimpija. While his father played, Doncic would often come to practices and watch. One day, the coach invited Doncic to practice at their basketball school with other children his age. After 15 minutes, the coaches moved him up to the under-11 age group. This led to Doncic playing at every level of their youth programs where he thrived and developed a foundation that aided him in becoming the player he is today.
When did Luka Doncic join Real Madrid?
After his success with Union Olimpija’s youth teams, several European clubs were pitching Doncic on the possibility of playing for them. Ultimately, the most lucrative offer came from Real Madrid, where Doncic was offered a five-year contract. The contract kept Doncic in Spain until he was 18 years old.
How old was Luka Doncic when he made his professional basketball debut?
In April of 2015, Doncic made his debut for Real Madrid’s senior team at the age of 16. He was the youngest player in Real Madrid history and the third youngest in ACB (Asociacion de Clubes de Baloncesto) history behind Ricky Rubio and Angel Rebolo, who were 14 years old and 15 years old when they debuted, respectively.
What legend has Luka Doncic been compared to?
In short, all of them. On paper, Doncic is a shooting guard, but his skill and basketball IQ contributes to his versatility position-wise.
Prior to the draft, the Dallas Mavericks were searching for a “playmaker” and found one in Doncic. In an article with SportsDay Dallas, Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner praised Doncic and expressed his excitement in his franchise being able to utilize him this season.
"Think of a 6’7” Steve Nash that isn't quite the shooter Steve Nash was but is only a teenager," Cuban said.
What are Luka Doncic’s greatest strengths on the court?
Because of his height, Doncic is at an advantage in his position. With the added inches of visibility, Doncic is an exceptional passer and is able to see the entire floor, find his teammates through traffic, and can effectively push the ball up the court with his calculated outlet passes.
In the EuroLeague, Doncic averaged 16.1 points and 4.3 assists per game. He is a rangy guard that has point guard level production and power forward strength.
What shoe company sponsors Luka Doncic?
While with Real Madrid, Doncic was sponsored by Nike. Unlike several other members of this year’s draft class who decided to sign with up-and-coming brands like Puma, Doncic will remain under the biggest brand in sportswear through his rookie season.
What awards did Luka Doncic win during his last season with Real Madrid?
In addition to a team championship, Luka Doncic was named the EuroLeague MVP, EuroLeague First Team, and twice tabbed the EuroLeague Rising Star. He was the youngest MVP in league history.
🚌 On the Bus with Mitch Creek debuts with @luka7doncic 🚌
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In addition to his basketball talent, according to Doncic, he has a nice voice. In an interview with his teammate, Mitch Creek, Doncic divulges that he would be a singer if wasn’t a professional basketball player.
What activity does Luka Doncic enjoy away from basketball?
When Doncic is finished with practice or simply has time to relax, he can be found in his gaming chair, playing FIFA or Overwatch. "He is very mature because of his life—to go away so early. But when he's at home, he's a teenager," Doncic’s mother, Mirjam told ESPN.
Who are Luka Doncic’s favorite players?
Doncic’s favorite NBA players are LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving. When it comes to deciding which current NBA player has the same strengths as he does, Doncic told ESPN it was Ben Simmons because “I think we are, like, similar, you know? He can play point guard, he can play forward. He can play a lot of stuff, like LeBron.”