via Getty
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 8: Luka Doncic (77) of the Dallas Mavericks prepares to play defense against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Thursday, January 7, 2021.(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
via Getty
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 8: Luka Doncic (77) of the Dallas Mavericks prepares to play defense against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Thursday, January 7, 2021.(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
After a successful season in the league as well as internationally, Luka Doncic has returned. The powerhouse will return to the Dallas Mavericks, where he has numerous memorable victories. Now in his fourth year with the franchise, Luka is no more the young gun; there is increased pressure on the Slovenian to deliver. Under head coach Jason Kidd, Doncic will aim to lift the trophy with his side in 2022.
USA Today via Reuters
May 6, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during an interview after the game against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2020-21 campaign, Doncic averaged 27.7 points and 8.6 assists per game. He was close to being unstoppable, and carried his team right till the playoffs. However, the lack of support cost him in the knockouts, as the side was knocked out in the first round. Yet, the 6’7 giant has high aspirations for the upcoming season. After all, the Mavericks have brushed up on their weaknesses, and look more potent now. During the Mavericks media day, the 22-year-old had a lot to say.
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Luka Doncic ‘excited’ to play under new coach Jason Kidd
As the curtains were being drawn on their 2021 campaign, the Mavericks hired former Bucks coach Jason Kidd for the 2021-22 edition. He replaced Rick Carlisle, who led Dallas to two consecutive playoff berths. Playing as a forward-guard himself during his days, Kidd will have a lot of knowledge to pass on to Doncic. Here’s what the youngster had to say about playing under Kidd.
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“I think that’s amazing,” stated Luka at the Mavericks’ official press meet. “You know, it’s a way to, [it’s an] opportunity for me to learn from a guy who is a champion here as a player, playing in the same position as me you know.” Kidd had two stints with the Mavericks, and won an NBA Championship as well. He is a 10-time All-star, and a top coach. “He was one of the best passers in the NBA and I’m really excited about it [playing under Kidd],” laid out Doncic.
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Every franchise will surely be keeping an eye on the Dallas Mavericks in 2021-22. If the Kidd-Doncic connection clicks, the side could wreak havoc in the league. How far will the ‘Mavs’ go in the league this year? Will they better their performance from their last campaign?
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