Seldom in the NBA does a player come along that ticks all the boxes from a rookie season onwards. When this happens, it unveils some huge clues that a potential future superstar is on the way.
Not since LeBron James’ 2003 Rookie of the Year first season at the Cleveland Cavaliers had this kind of clues reappeared in the NBA. Until October 2018, that is. It took the form of a 2.01m 19-year-old from Ljubljana, Slovenia, called Luka Dončić as he made his NBA regular season debut for the Dallas Mavericks.
Dončić recorded 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in the game, with his all-around ability on the court catching the eye. When he scored 26 points in his next appearance, becoming the youngest Mavericks player to go over 20 points in a game, the 2018 NBA draft’s first-round, third-overall pick made a statement – one which would not go away in the future.
Like James, Dončić earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award that season, and his progression since has been nothing short of spectacular. His consistent performances this season have kept the Dallas Mavericks on course for a playoff berth, to which the franchise’s current six-game winning streak at the time of writing testifies. As a result, The Mavericks continue becoming more and more favored with online bookmakers as betting is gaining popularity in Texas.
As things stand, the +3000 odds offered on the Dallas Mavericks to win the NBA Championship are shortening, with the franchise currently 11th favored with the bookies. At -420 to go beyond the regular season, Dončić and The Mavericks should certainly be in the mix come playoff time.
So what qualities and attributes provide the clues for revealing future NBA greatness, and how do they apply to Luka Dončić as he continues in his quest to help the Dallas Mavericks achieve NBA glory?
Exceptional Skillset
At only 24 years old, Dončić has a remarkably polished all-around skillset that rivals seasoned veterans like LeBron James. His on-court vision, ball-handling, and passing are elite, allowing him to orchestrate the offense to create scoring opportunities for himself and his Mavericks teammates.
Dončić’s controls the pace of the game, and his ability to pin-point passes in traffic sets him apart as one of the NBA’s most dynamic playmakers.
Scoring Ability
As his stats bear out, Dončić is a prolific scorer capable of putting up points in bunches. Whether driving to the basket, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or knocking down three-pointers, the Slovenian guard can keep opposing defenders guessing with his diverse scoring arsenal. His size, strength, and impeccable control allow him to finish through contact and convert a higher percentage of tough shots in the paint.
With his astounding 73 points in 45 minutes against the Atlanta Hawks at the end of January this year, Luka Dončić has already scored 50 points or more in a game on seven occasions, including twice this season.
Basketball IQ
One of the most impressive attributes of all great players is their basketball IQ, and Luka Dončić must rank among the highest. His deep understanding of the game’s nuances means he’s quick to recognize defensive schemes. Doing so allows him to exploit mismatches and make precise, split-second decisions.
With his ability to anticipate plays through expert reading of the floor, he can consistently outsmart opponents and make the correct plays more often.
Clutch Performances
Dončić thrives under pressure. Time and again, he saves his very best for game-defining, pressure-packed moments. Back as far as the days of Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the superstar players delivered clutch performances most often – hitting game-winning shots, making critical plays, and raising their games when most needed.
Even at 24, Dončić is one of those. His fearless mentality and poise under pressure have given him the reputation as one of the NBA’s elite closers who is no stranger to sealing Dallas victories in the clutch and doing so against top opposition.
Versatility
With exceptional ball handling and athleticism for his 2.01m frame, the ex-Real Madrid player displays impressive court versatility when needed. Dončić can play in multiple positions during a game when necessary. Although The Mavericks employ the Slovenian in the point guard position, he has the skills to operate as a primary ball-handler or a scoring wing as well.
In fact, with his versatility and exceptional basketball brain, Luka Dončić could likely play anywhere head coach Jason Kidd asked him to. The mark of the greats is their ability to adapt to several roles and impact the game in different ways.
Rebounding and Playmaking
We’ve already mentioned Dončić’s incredible point-scoring ability but, like Michael Jordan and LeBron James before him, he is also an exceptional playmaker and rebounder. Particularly for a guard, the five-time NBA All-Star consistently crashes the boards and secures rebounds on both ends of the floor.
Furthermore, Dončić’s playmaking skills mean he creates many scoring opportunities for his teammates, as his high assist numbers indicate. On any given night, Luka Dončić is a triple-double threat.
Competitive Edge
Dončić may be laid back when off the court, but he has a competitive spirit and fierce nature when on the hardwood. His passion for the game is clearly evident as he hunts down greatness every time he appears in The Mavericks’ colors. With the young Slovenian idolizing LeBron James from a tender age, his pursuit of excellence through a similar work ethic is still reaping the rewards.
It is noticeable that Dončić’s competitive fire on the court, meeting the toughest challenges head-on, is likely driven by a yearning to emulate, and even surpass, the achievements of his idol. In turn, this drive to win sets the tone for his Dallas teammates to follow.
Final Thoughts
For all of the Luka Dončić attributes and qualities we’ve already mentioned, the one that makes him stand out above the vast majority of his peers, and indicates his potential to be a truly world-class NBA great, is the impact he has on the game of basketball and those watching it.
Just as watching Robertson, Chamberlain, Abdul-Jabbar, Jordan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, the late-great Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James in action brought (and brings) a feeling to the pit of the stomach, so the same feeling arrives when Luka Dončić is on the hardwood.
It’s an almost extra-sensory and otherworldly feeling – one that has less to do with the incredible physical displays he constantly gives and more about knowing that you’re witnessing greatness.
