The Dallas Mavericks had the blueprint for the future. After 21 years of Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas, the Mavericks found another European gem in Luka Dončić to carry the franchise forward. However, a blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in February saw millions of hearts break, including Dončić’s.
Despite the move, Dončić is still embraced by fans in Dallas for his moments of magic. And while his “Luka Magic” nickname is loved across the league, Mavericks legend Tyson Chandler gives it a new spin.
What Makes Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson Similar?
Present at the 22nd Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Europe camp, Chandler spoke of the impact international stars have made on the NBA in recent years. Speaking nothing but praise for Dončić, Chandler compared him to arguably the greatest point guard ever, calling him a “European version of Magic Johnson.”
Tyson Chandler says Luka got Magic vibes and he’s not wrong 😁🎩
👨💻 Full interview on https://t.co/2rhDNtHr6p pic.twitter.com/W7mtPo1FLk
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 18, 2025
“I’ve been around the game for a long time, and there are very few special players that will show you some things that you’ve never seen before,” said Chandler. “And Luka was one of those players. I would always call him Luka Magic because he reminded me of a European version of Magic Johnson.
“This new age, Luka is his own player, but Magic was the older generation of somebody with a smile that was the killer. They’d come out there and destroy you, win games, but with a big smile. He’s just such a joy to watch, and I love watching him. Nothing but great things to say about Luka.”
Mark Cuban, the minority Mavericks owner, drew a similar comparison last year when he compared Dončić’s personality and charisma to Magic’s, noting that both are “baby-faced assassins” who can drop 40 points with a smile.
After his retirement, Chandler decided to impart his knowledge of the game to the new generation. He has been a player development coach for the Mavericks since 2021. So, not only did Chandler get an up-close look at the Slovenian guard for four years, but he was also part of the 2024 Finals run, during which Dončić dominated.
“Luka was one of the best players I’ve ever seen on the court and in practice. Of course, we all see what Luka does in the game, but I’m speaking about practice, because it’s very difficult to impress your peers. Luka does things that I’ve never seen before. That’s difficult,” Chandler said.
Chandler shared this high praise for Dončić at the BWB camp, which was held in Manchester from Aug. 12 to 15. This was the first time the NBA and FIBA hosted the program in the United Kingdom.
The camp provided a platform to some of the world’s most talented prospects, giving them an opportunity to learn from active NBA players Ivica Zubac and Kevin Huerter, as well as legends such as Chandler and Derek Fisher.
