Image Source: USA Today Sports
[Saba Sports News] During his five-plus seasons in the NBA, Luka Doncic has consistently impressed, especially his coach at the Dallas Mavericks, Jason Kidd. Kidd, speaking on 97.1 The Freak’s “The Downbeat,” made a startling comparison between Doncic and Mavericks’ legend Dirk Nowitzki, with whom Kidd shared a court during their 2011 NBA championship run. Kidd’s admiration didn’t stop there; he placed the 24-year-old Doncic in the elite league of basketball greats like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.
Kidd’s comments, as reported by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, highlighted Doncic’s unique talents and potential. He suggested that Doncic has surpassed Nowitzki, stating, “He does things that Dirk could never do.” Kidd’s emphasis was on building the right team around Doncic to secure a championship win.
Doncic’s skill was on full display when he scored 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks, tying for the fourth-highest score in NBA history. However, success in the NBA is often measured by both statistics and postseason achievements. While Doncic has impressive stats, he hasn’t led his team to the NBA Finals yet. The Mavericks have reached the playoffs three times since Doncic’s 2018 debut, with their best run ending in the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Kidd’s comparison of Doncic with legends like Jordan, James, and Bryant is bold, especially since many believe that winning a championship is a prerequisite for such comparisons. Nevertheless, Kidd’s confidence in Doncic’s abilities and potential is clear.