As a young player in the NBA, getting compared to one of the legends of the game is always a huge accomplishment, especially when a legendary coach makes the comparison. For Luka Doncic, it did not take him long to earn such comparisons. Right from his rookie season, he earned a nickname, ‘Luka Magic,’ thanks to his exceptional passing and play-making abilities.
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In December 2019, the legendary Gregg Popovich reluctantly dropped heavy praise on Mavericks’ 20-year-old budding star. “I hate to say this. He’s not Magic Johnson, but it’s Magic Johnson-like in the sense that he sees the floor in that same way,” Pop said, about Luka Doncic. The reluctance could be because of the history between the two teams, or merely because he did not want to over-hype the kid.
The praise came after the Mavericks took down the Spurs in a hard-fought 102-98 win. Luka, who had missed 4 games, including the Christmas night matchup, due to a right ankle sprain, came back and led his team in a brilliant fashion. Doncic had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in the contest.
His eight assists included some brilliantly placed lobs for Dwight Powell, showcasing Luka’s brilliant court vision. Impressed by what he saw, Pop continued, “He’s got a real intuitive sense, and you can’t teach that. He’s just got it and he’s great at it.”
Considering how Luka was just a sophomore in the league, Pop did not want to burden Luka with the expectations of living up to one of the greatest point guards the game has ever seen. “I’m not trying to put the Magic Johnson pressure on him; he’s not ready for that yet, but he’s doing a hell of a job.”
Pop had the right idea of not burdening a rising star from Slovenia. Nearly five years later, Luka has not only lived up to that praise but now carries the torch for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. Luka has 5x All-NBA selections, has been on 5x All-Star teams.
Doncic has a chance to keep building his case as one of the best point guards the league has ever seen, while doing so in Purple and Gold. The now 26-year-old will now face one of the biggest challenges of his career next season – being the top guy on the Lakers and trying to push them back into championship contention.
With a leaner physique and a bigger stage in Los Angeles, Dončić’s next chapter will determine if he can turn Magic-like flashes into a championship reality.
