The Dallas Mavericks have returned to the NBA Finals for the first time since Dirk Nowitzki led them to glory 13 years ago. Luka Doncic, inspired by his inner Nowitzki, is striving to secure the Mavericks’ second championship trophy. As the team pushes forward, former Mavericks player JJ Barea has shared his thoughts on Doncic’s legacy compared to Nowitzki’s.
During his “Run It Back” appearance on FDTV, Barea was asked if Luka Doncic could be considered the best Mavericks player of all time. Barea remained quick to declare Nowitzki’s legacy as irreplaceable.
“No, Dirk Nowitzki is an all-time Mav forever. There’s no way… Luka could be the best player in the world forever and Dirk would still be the [greatest] Mav of all time,” Barea said.
Nowitzki was chosen as the ninth pick in the 1998 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and immediately traded to the Mavericks. He played a record 21 seasons with Dallas, and his leadership ended in the Mavericks’ lone championship in 2011.
Doncic was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Mavericks. The WCF MVP has been following in Nowitzki’s footsteps and is now poised to prove himself as a worthy successor.
Luka Doncic Provides Update on His Injury
Due to a thoracic contusion, Luka Doncic played Game 2 of the NBA Finals under the influence of painkillers. As the Mavericks prepare for Game 3, Doncic has provided a significant update on his injury status. This is crucial for the team’s prospects.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
“I feel good. I don’t want to give any more details, but I feel good,” Doncic said.
This update is a relief, especially since Doncic’s performance is pivotal for the Mavericks’ success in the series. His status for Game 3 has been upgraded to probable. Notably, the injury report no longer mentions his previous ankle and knee issues, which suggests those concerns have subsided.
