Was Luka Doncic Coached by Dirk Nowitzki? Exploring the Europeans’ Relationship After NBA Hall of Famer Campaigns for 24YO Slovenian

Just as Dirk Nowitzki put an end to his NBA career, Luka Doncic stepped to the fore in Dallas. The Slovenian is one of the most valuable players in the NBA right now and it’s safe to say that the Dunking Deutschman has played his part in it. In yet another moment of supporting Doncic, Nowitzki initiated MVP chants for the 24-year-old.

Dirk’s courtside chants caught the eyes of fans but this is a mentor-mentee relationship several years in the making. While head coaches have also been a pillar of support for several young stars, in Doncic’s case it was a bit different. Well, the European Brotherhood has been quite amusing to watch, and below are a few instances that have showcased it. 

Dirk Nowitzki’s unconditional support for Luka Doncic

The first display was seen at the 2019 All-Star game, where a young Luka Doncic represented the ‘Team World’, coached by the German legend, Dirk Nowitzki. The 2011 NBA champion, who was in a blazer, spent some time in the locker room alongside the Slovenian, sharing a few words before the game. In a video, Nowitzki affectionately spoke, “Brought my little guy with me…

Luka Doncic ‘s first season was also Dirk’s last. As such, the Slovenian has played just 42 games with the Dallas Mavericks legend. Although there wasn’t much chemistry on the court, the work behind the scenes never stopped.

Moreover, there was an evident difference between the play style of Doncic, before and after Nowitzki left. Apart from this, the Hall of Famer has made several live appearances to support his former team and Doncic.

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During the Mavs’ face-off against their interstate rivals in Houston today, Nowitzki was seen in the stands cheering for Doncic. When the Slovenian was on the line for taking free throws, the 45-year-old started the MVP chants to put a smile on Doncic’s face. 

The European Brotherhood was appreciated by the netizens on Twitter. Doncic tallied 41 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in his mentor’s presence, securing a 121-115 win for his Mavericks. 

Luka and Dirk’s bond is evident not just to fans and viewers but their colleagues as well. The Mavs’ former assistant coach opened up on the intergenerational connection.

Ex-assistant coach of Mavericks on Dirk and Luka

In his 21-year career, Nowitzki was the go-to player for the Mavericks. His unstoppable fadeaways and efficient offense helped him win a championship in 2011. Well, according to ex-assistant coach Jamahl Mosley, Nowitzki trusted Doncic to take over the same role after he left. 

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Mosley shared, “When he[Doncic] came to Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki mentored him and the way he worked. He showed him what he did inside and out how he did things.” 

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