While the majority of pundits and analysts are arguing about why a particular team should win, Evan Turner is happy with any result. The Philadelphia 76ers star is torn between the star players present in each team, leaving him rather wanting to focus on their background stories. Even with the news that Kyrie Irving has signed a never-heard-before contract with ANTA, Turner wants to have conversations with the families of athletes, and Luka Doncic‘s notably, to understand the talent and attitude each player possesses.

Former NBA teammates and current best friends Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner, on their recent episode of The Point Forward Podcast, spoke about the mentality of young players and how they can perform at any given level. Turner even gave an example of Anthony Edwards against the Suns. Where the youngster was continuously chirping towards the veteran and also delivered in performance.

Iguodala feels this is one of those series where he would be happy with anybody winning it. Turner agreed with the rare feeling and said even though he is rooting for the Celtics but won’t mind Mavs lifting the trophy. Because he understands that players come from a difficult background and is hard to establish a career in the NBA. “These are some beautiful Stories being written and unraveling that is uh unreal.” He then speaks about a particular Luka Doncic moment where he was impressed.

“Even when you saw Luka backstage when he was having a beer after the game he standing next to his dad and it’s like he chilling.” Turner felt throughout the tournament Doncic was pretty chill. The Mavs Star had somewhat made a tradition to open up a beer after every elimination game. “And I want to be like what did he [Luca’s father] teach him growing up, where this dude is just like this,” he says speaking of the Mavs guard’s being unafraid of the competition that lays ahead. This might very well be the courtesy of his father, Sasa, associated with basketball for about 40 years.

Marko Milic, now Mavs’ assistant coach and one of Sasa Doncic’s former teammate, reveals, Sasa taught Luka to be fearless from a young age. “Sasa brought Luka to my basketball camp when he was 9 or 10 years old. I told him that the camp is for 14- and 15-year-olds. But Sasa replied he’ll have to manage and figure it out. The five-year difference was huge, but Sasa never treated Luka with kid gloves,” he states, backing Turners’ observation.

However, Luka Magic isn’t the only player on Turner’s list to have strong basketball background. Doncic’s teammate, Kyrie Irving’s father, Drederick, a professional player himself, has also held a crucial role. And the NBA champion ensured to give back with an exciting deal.

Luka Doncic’s teammate creates history

Kyrie Irving, Chief Creative Officer for ANTA had signed a five-year deal with the Chinese sportswear brand last September. However, the Mavs star only just signed his father, Drederick Irving, as the first-ever athlete for his signature shoe line this month. This marks the first time that a professional athlete has secured a shoe deal for their parent.

Shams Charania took to Instagram to explain the historic deal and spoke about Drederick’s basketball journey. “Drederick played at Boston University and professionally in Australia. Kyrie signed his dad to an endorsement deal — and the Drederick Irving’s will release in Foot Locker stores in September, an industry source said.”

It’s good to see not us vs them for a change, as the former veterans respect the young players. Turner acknowledging their history and roots is rather a refreshing take amidst the fierceness that is to set about on June 6th.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.