Luka Doncic (born February 28, 1999) is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also represents the Slovenian national team. Born in Ljubljana, Doncic shone as a youth player for Union Olimpija before joining the youth academy of Real Madrid. In 2015, he made his debut for the academy’s senior team at age 16, becoming the youngest in club history. Two years later, he led Madrid to the 2018 EuroLeague title, winning the EuroLeague MVP and the Final Four MVP.
Luka Doncic is one of the most talented young players breaking through in the NBA, having averaged 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in just his second year in the league. The Euroleague MVP is expected to lead the Dallas Mavericks for years to come alongside talented co-star Kristaps Porzingis. However, despite how well-known Doncic may be, there are a few facts about the Serbian sharpshooter that have gone under the radar. In this article, we will look at 10 facts about Luka Doncic that you probably didn’t know.
Beyond the Stats: Top Ten Things You Should Know About Luka Doncic
Embark on a riveting exploration of the basketball virtuoso’s life as we unveil the “Top Ten Things You Should Know About Luka Doncic.” From jaw-dropping on-court performances to intriguing off-court facets, this comprehensive guide is your ticket to unraveling the essence of Luka Doncic’s remarkable journey.
1. He debuted in the EuroLeague at just 16
While you may know that Luka Doncic played in the EuroLeague for Real Madrid, you might not know how young he started. He initially joined the Spanish giants at the age of 13, before making his first start in the EuroLeague at just 16. He is the 13th youngest-ever EuroLeague player, as well as the youngest MVP. It is yet another example of just how talented Doncic is.
Luka Doncic of Slovenia and Goran Dragic of Slovenia during a basketball match between the national teams of Slovenia and France on Day 7 of the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland, on September 6, 2017. Photo by Vid Ponikvar / Sportida
2. Doncic is the youngest ever Euroleague MVP
In the 2017/18 season, Luka Doncic won the Euroleague MVP award, averaging 16 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists for the champions, Real Madrid. He also won the Final Four and Finals MVP for Real Madrid. Considering Doncic was only 19 by the time the Finals rolled around, this showed just how precocious a talent the young Slovenian star was.
3. He is quadrilingual
Luka Doncic has already traveled far and wide so early in his career. As a side effect, he has picked up on several languages. Luka can speak English, Slovenian, Serbian, and Spanish. Luka learned Spanish while starring at Real Madrid and had already picked up English before joining the Dallas Mavericks. He knows Slovenian and Serbian because those are his mother tongues. He is clearly a talented individual, on and off the field.
4. His rookie year was one of the best ever
Luka Doncic averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in his rookie year, making him the first teenage rookie to average at least 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, and the first since the great Oscar Robertson’s first year. Those numbers are also good enough to beat Lebron’s rookie-year numbers as well, which dispelled a lot of the doubters who suggested that Doncic would never be very good in the NBA.
5. His first postseason game was one for the record books
When Luka Doncic stepped onto the court for his first playoff game against the Clippers, he probably didn’t know he was about to make history. When he left the court, he had scored a playoff debut record of 42 points, along with 9 assists and 7 rebounds. This made him the 3rd youngest player to record 20-5-5 on their playoff debut, after Magic Johnson and LeBron James, truly elite company. This is yet another indicator of Doncic’s quality.
He’s got this James Harden skill set with crossovers and step-backs. He’s a brilliant player and so young, and he’s going to be one of the cornerstones of this league for a long time. Steve Kerr, Golden State coach
6. His idol and mentor is Goran Dragic
Goran Dragic and Luka Doncic have known each other for a while, dating back to when Dragic played for Union Olimpija, Doncic’s father’s team, and when Doncic served as a ballboy. They also share a room together while playing for the Slovenian national team and are very close. Considering that Dragic was one of the best players Doncic could learn from as a child, it is little wonder that Doncic makes sure to always get help from Dragic to improve on his play and become better, and Dragic is always willing to help him.
7. Luka Doncic is dating a fashion model
The young Dallas Mavericks player is unmarried at the moment. He does, however, have a committed relationship with Anamaria Goltes. The young lady is an Instagram influencer and fashion model. They have been seeing each other for a sizable amount of time.
8. Luka First Began Playing Organized Basketball Around Age 7
Doncic began his organized basketball career at the age of seven when he joined his elementary school team at Mirana Jarca in Ljubljana. Doncic followed his father to the prestigious Union Olimpija from the Slovenian club Domzale in 2007. Grega Brezovec, a close friend of Sasa and Doncic’s mother, Mirjam Poterbin, asked him to practice at Olimpija Basketball School.
However, Doncic’s extraordinary abilities were obvious at his very first practice at Olimpija, prompting the coaching team to advance him to the 1996-born group after only 16 minutes of training.
9. Luka Is The Youngest Player In NBA History With A 30/20/10 Game
Luka Doncic holds the record for the youngest player in NBA history with a 30/20/10 performance. On August 4, 2019, he completed this accomplishment with 34 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 114-110 overtime win over the Sacramento Kings. Doncic was 21 years and 10 days old at the time, beating Oscar Robertson’s record of 23 years and 308 days in 1961.
Doncic’s game on 30/20/10 was remarkable. He became the NBA’s youngest player to achieve a triple-double with at least 30 points and 20 rebounds, as well as the first player since Robertson to have a 30/20/10 game in overtime.
10. He has been compared to several HOFers and future HOFers
According to several of the most respected voices in basketball, Luka is better than several of the best players in the league when they were his age. The likes of Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers have compared him to Rockets star James Harden, while the likes of Dwayne Wade have compared him to a young LeBron. This proves that even former veterans of the game, who have seen a lot of stars before, see the pure quality of the young Slovenian basketball player.
FAQs: About Luka Doncic
Q: Is Luka Doncic considered one of the best NBA players?
Absolutely, Luka’s exceptional skills and achievements solidify his status among the NBA elite.
Q: How has Luka impacted international basketball?
Luka’s global appeal has significantly boosted the popularity of international players in the NBA.
Q: What endorsements does Luka Doncic have?
Luka boasts endorsements with major brands, showcasing his marketability and off-court success.
Q: Can Luka Doncic lead the Mavericks to an NBA championship?
With his skills and leadership, Luka certainly has the potential to guide the Mavericks to championship glory.
Q: What sets Luka Doncic’s playing style apart?
Luka’s versatility, court vision, and clutch performances distinguish him as a truly unique player in the NBA.
Q: How has Luka contributed to the Mavericks’ success?
Luka’s on-court brilliance and leadership have been pivotal in elevating the Dallas Mavericks to new heights.
Conclusion: The Final Words
Luka Doncic has undeniably established himself as one of the most electrifying and talented players in the NBA today. His exceptional skillset, combined with his unwavering determination, has captivated fans worldwide. From his mesmerizing ball-handling and court vision to his ability to score from anywhere on the floor, Luka Doncic has consistently showcased his brilliance. His impact extends beyond individual accolades, as he has led his teams to numerous victories and playoff appearances. As he continues to mature and evolve, Luka Doncic’s future in the NBA appears incredibly promising. There is no doubt that he will remain a dominant force for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the game of basketball.
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