In the dynamic world of the NBA, few players have captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike as thoroughly as Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. From their meteoric rise to their dominance on the court, the two European stars are often at the center of debates regarding the league’s best players. Amid these discussions, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has added an interesting twist, voicing his hopes that Jokic might one day join forces with Doncic in Dallas.
Nowitzki, who spent his entire 21-year career with the Mavericks, including Doncic’s rookie season, shared his thoughts on the potential pairing. "I hope that would be in Dallas,” Nowitzki said. “I'm not sure if that will ever happen, but obviously, both are two of the best players in the world, if not the best players in the world." His admiration for both players is evident, noting their mutual respect and genuine affection for one another. "They both have a great relationship with each other, they respect each other and like each other genuinely. They spend time with each other," he added.
Fans won’t have to imagine the synergy between Doncic and Jokic for long, as the duo is set to team up for Goran Dragic's farewell game on Saturday. The exhibition, taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, at 2 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on the NBA app, providing a captivating spectacle for basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
Team Luka, headlined by Doncic and Jokic, will also feature notable names like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Luis Scola, and Robin Lopez. Their opponents, Team Gogi, boast a lineup that includes Dragic, Steve Nash, Nikola Vucevic, Uros Slokar, and Vladimir Radmanovic. The game promises contrasting styles of play, with Dragic and Nash planning to "push the pace," while Doncic’s squad aims to dominate the interior. "We're gonna pound them in the paint by feeding Jokic, Lopez, and Scola," Doncic explained.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event serves as a celebration of Dragic's illustrious career and a fundraiser for his charitable foundation. Though Nowitzki will not be suiting up, he will be among the spectators, cheering on the star-studded rosters.
Nowitzki’s admiration for Jokic’s game is palpable. "I love Jokic’s game, how he plays the game with passion, and the skill level as a big is unbelievable. They’re both incredible players," he commented. Such high praise from a player of Nowitzki’s stature underscores the impact Jokic and Doncic have had on the NBA landscape.
The prospect of Jokic leaving the Denver Nuggets for the Dallas Mavericks may be a long shot, but it certainly fuels the imagination. A pairing of Doncic and Jokic would undoubtedly elevate the Mavericks to new heights, creating one of the most formidable duos in recent memory. Until that dream materializes, fans can relish the opportunity to see them share the court at Dragic’s farewell game. The event encapsulates not just a celebration of Dragic’s contributions but also a glimpse into what could be a thrilling partnership between two of the game’s brightest stars.