Media personality Colin Cowherd in a recent episode of his radio show, The Herd, declared Luka Doncic as the best young player in the world.
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Slovenia recently clinched its first Olympic basketball berth defeating Lithuania 96-85. Luka Doncic led his home team, scoring a triple-double.
The wonder boy from Slovenia had 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists. Slovenia, which has a population of 2.1 million, became the smallest nation by the current population to participate in the Olympic men’s basketball tournament.
Lithuania, which is known to be one of the best men’s basketball nations of the last 30-years, failed to qualify for the first time since it became independent from the Soviet Union.
It would not be wrong to say that Luka was a major contributor to Slovenia qualifying for its debut Olympic appearance. The Mavericks player is Slovenia’s best export to the United States of America.
Luka Doncic and Slovenia have qualified to compete in the Olympics for the first time in the nation’s history 👏 pic.twitter.com/5ZxJZ6xD7t
— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2021
Luka is often compared to NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki two of the major reasons being their European roots and playing for the Dallas Mavericks. However, many believe Luka might be the best international talent ever to step on the NBA hardwood.
Luka Doncic is a bonafide superstar
The former Rookie of the Year was a star even before he made his NBA debut. The 2x NBA All-Star is former Euro league champion and MVP.
Luka made his NBA debut at the age of 19. The Mavericks star put the league on notice from his very inception on the NBA hardwood. During his rookie year, he became the youngest player to record 3 triple-doubles edging Hall of Famer Magic Johnson by 117 days.
Luka might be the Dallas Mavericks ticket to an NBA championship since Dirk Nowitzki in 2011. The two European-origin players have much in common and are extremely gifted players.
Dirk played his whole career with the Mavericks. The German basketball player won several accolades during his career that included an NBA championship and Finals MVP. The veteran is also the highest-scoring foreign-born player in the NBA.
During a recent episode of The Herd, Cowherd touched upon how the current international players have a lot of pull and want their opinion to be heard. While adding to this, Cowherd spoke about how the Mark Cuban-owned team had to recently part ways with their general manager and coach.
“Luka, unlike Dirk, isn’t just going to be a good guy and take one for the team. You are looking at the best young player in the world.”
— @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/DCIzIbwtal
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 5, 2021
In his 3 seasons so far, the wonder boy from Slovenia has averaged 25.7 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 7.7 APG, and 1.0 SPG on a 45.7% shooting from the field.
Though the Mavericks had two back-to-back early-round eliminations in the playoffs. Luka was nothing short of phenomenal, carrying his team against the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who are multiple-time All-Stars.
According to Cowherd, Luka is the best 22-year old basketball player among the likes of LeBron James and Magic Johnson.