Back in 2018, Luka Dončić was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks as the third pick. The rookie from Slovenia was then immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young. Since then, Dončić has become the face of the Mavericks franchise before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024-25 season. He was considered the next Dirk Nowitzki, given that the European legend was the team’s poster boy for 21 seasons.
Given the passing of the torch, one might wonder if Nowitzki was able to properly pass it to Dončić by being teammates.
Looking at Luka Dončić and Dirk Nowitzki’s Close Friendship
During the 2018-19 season, Dončić was the fresh face who joined the Mavericks. Hailing from Slovenia, Dončić seemed set to become the next European legend to take Dallas to new heights.
Dončić’s entry into the team came at the perfect time, following Nowitzki’s announcement of his retirement that year. With that in mind, it was the ideal opportunity for the German legend to hand over the keys to the young Slovenian star.
Throughout the 2018-19 season, Dončić and Nowitzki shared the hardwood in 42 games. During that period, both stars established a close friendship, building a strong mentor-mentee relationship.
Throughout Nowitzki’s 21-year career, he made two NBA Finals appearances, winning one in 2011. Given his rich history with Dallas, Nowitzki made sure to pass on everything Dončić needed to know to carry the Mavericks once he retired.
However, after seven seasons of suiting up for the Mavericks, Dallas’ front office shockingly traded Dončić to the Lakers in the 2024-25 season. It was a trade that nobody saw coming. Many Mavericks fans were under the impression that Dončić would be their poster boy until he decided to hang up the laces.
While Nowitzki has remained loyal to the team that made him famous after retiring, he decided to support Dončić by attending his first Lakers games last season. It was the ultimate sign of how close the two Europeans truly were.
But now that the Mavericks have fired ex-general manager Nico Harrison, the man responsible for trading Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, there are rumors that Nowtizki could take on a front office role for Dallas in the near future.
Regardless of the situation, it’s unlikely that Dončić would be upset with Nowitzki if he does end up working for the Mavericks.
