Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Dirk Nowitzki can be considered one of the best Europeans to ever play in the NBA. He had played an important role for the Mavericks in 2011 when they won the championship. The man himself feels a bit jealous of another rising European star on the team: Luka Doncic.

Doncic has not played in the NBA for too long but has become a favorite among the fans. Nowitzki hence, in jest, complained about his falling popularity among German fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Dirk Nowitzki who is from W?rzburg, Germany tweeted out, “Germans friends that come visit always buy jerseys. I say: hold on let me get a sharpie and they say: oh no. That?s ok. This is actually Luka?s. Do you mind getting it signed…”?Many of the commentators on Twitter found it hilarious. There were few who started to compare the legacy of both players and began debating.

Dirk Nowitzki’s legacy in the Dallas Mavericks

Nowitzki and Doncic’s careers can’t be compared as of now. Doncic is in his 4th year in the NBA while Dirk had a 21-year career in the league. Nowitzki’s accomplishments throughout his career have been many. He was selected in the All-Star Team 14 times and the All NBA team 12 times.

Dirk was the NBA MVP in 2007 and won the championship in 2011 where he defeated LeBron’s Miami Heat. He also became a part of the 50-40-90 club in 2007.

READ MORE- NBA Fans Go Berserk After Nets Players Make Bizarre Michael Jordan And Ben Simmons Comparison

Nowitzki played his entire NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks. He is considered one of the team’s greatest players. He still works for them as a special advisor.

Luka Doncic’s potential to match Dirk Nowitzki for the Mavericks

via Imago

Doncic meanwhile is still young and has yet to create that kind of legacy. He has the potential to do it, though, according to many. Luka is a contender for the MVP award this year. He was awarded the Rookie of the Year in 2019 and has been part of 2 All NBA teams. Doncic has also been selected for the All-Star team 3 times.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORYShaquille O’Neal vs Kevin Durant: Who Has A Bigger Foot Size?

Many have already noted his on-court versatility on the offensive end. His pick and roll is considered elite and his acceleration off it is considered world-class. Luka has become a fan-favorite among the Dallas fans rapidly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

This season, he has scored 28 ppg with a shooting split of 46/35/74. Doncic also has 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game. These stats place him among the elite of the NBA. However, he will have to put up such numbers consistently for years before matching Dirk’s legacy.

But can Doncic come close to Nowitzki’s legacy in the Dallas Mavericks and the NBA? We will have to see more as Luka has more to give us in his career?