Amidst a historic run with near 40/10/10 splits in the last ten games, Luka Doncic has emerged as a bonafide superstar in the NBA. However, prior to Luka casting his spell in the league, the young guard had a dominant overseas career, with his most memorable stint being with the Euroleague giant Real Madrid. Since getting drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, the Slovenian superstar has longed for the good ol’ days in Spain. To make the wishes of his franchise centerpiece a reality, $4.8 billion worth Mark Cuban has reportedly arranged for an eventful reunion to take place in 2023 itself.
Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks to play against Real Madrid in 2023
After trading away a first-round pick and their rights to draft Trae Young with the fifth pick, Mark Cuban and the Mavericks landed a generational talent in Luka Doncic. The arrival of Luka legend has done wonders for Dallas. Similarly, the young guard has willed his team to the fourth seed in the Western Conference this year, while averaging a staggering 34 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists. Needless to say, Doncic is the future of the Mavericks organization.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thus like any conscious owner, Mark Cuban has gone above and beyond to keep his franchise player happy in Dallas. Likewise, the billionaire owner has reportedly made Doncic’s homecoming dream with Real Madrid a reality. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks could face off against Real Madrid in the 2023 NBA preseason. It will mark an eventful reunion of Doncic and the Euroleague giant. The two teams will face off in Spain.
Doncic’s return to his former team will witness major fandom from both regions. The 3x All-Star won a Euroleague championship and the MVP in the 2017-18 season. Moreover, the Slovenian guard set several records and garnered an impressive international following.
NBA’s global initiatives
Apart from the visit to Spain, the Mavericks are also reported to make a stop in the deserts of the United Arab Emirates. Although their opponent is not confirmed, they will be playing the capital city of Abu Dhabi. Similarly, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks also faced off in the Etihad arena this pre-season in the NBA Abu Dhabi games.
Watch the Story – Luka Doncic joins LeBron James, Michael Jordan and other NBA legends in historic list after another 50 point performance?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Under a global reach initiative, the NBA has extended its preseason game locations to Mexico City, Japan, UAE, and Paris in 2023. The respectable standing of international players like Doncic in the NBA will certainly go a long way to gaining a global following for the NBA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad