By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic was introduced for the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, and the 19-year old Slovenian sensation got straight to answering questions.
The first question he answered was about Texas, and as he said it was his first time being in Dallas: “I know about cowboys. I don’t really know that much. It’s really hot. In my country, it’s freezing. So far I really like it.”
Luka won the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Real Madrid, was the MVP of the competition, as well as the Final Four MVP. When asked about it, he said that European basketball is not easy: “European basketball is really tough. It’s challenging to play against superstars. I have been professional since I was 15 years old. When I was playing with all the guys, I thought maybe I could beat somebody.”
Doncic, 19, received a message from an NBA legend on Thursday after the NBA Draft, and by many his game compares to that of Steve Nash’s: “To be like Steve Nash, I have to work extra hard. I received a message from him last night. It was just amazing. I don’t want to be compared to anybody. Everyone in the NBA is of high level.”
The Slovenian ‘wonderboy’, also discussed the NBA’s speed, and how challenges motivate him: “The game is quicker and the court is wide open. I like to play the game quickly, and I think that it would benefit me.”
“A lot of guys say, oh Luka you are really good, but nobody has seen me. I like the challenge. When they say, you are going to be good. I say let’s see. When I step on the court, I need to show it.”
Finally, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle was also asked about how he will use Doncic. And he did not hide that he (Doncic) will be a starter since the start of the season: “I think I will use him as a starter, I would do the same thing I did with Dennis Smith Jr. He’s going to be a starter. He will play alongside Harrison Barnes and Dennis Smith Jr. They will complement each other. I believe that Luka can play four positions, Barnes can dribble the ball and also create, and Dennis is a point-guard, but can also play off-ball.”
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