“Rick Barry and Luka Doncic control the flow of the game”: George Karl Names the Warriors Legend as the Mavs MVP’s Player Comparison

Currently, Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the world. Despite being merely 23 years old, the Dallas Mavericks leader has managed to achieve some of the most impressive accolades.

Over the span of his young career, the Slovenian prodigy has been selected to 3 All-Star Games, 3 All-NBA teams, and even made it to the 2022 Western Conference Finals. While playing some of the most dominant basketball we’ve seen, Doncic is often compared to several players.

We have often heard analysts & former legends compare Luka to the likes of Larry Bird, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and James Harden among a few other stars. Prior to being drafted, the guard even compared himself to Ben Simmons.

Also Read: Spencer Dinwiddie Draws a Larry Bird Parallel For His All-Star Teammate

George Karl compares Luka Doncic to Rick Barry

Luka gets compared to a new player every other day.

After the Mavs’ clash against the Washington Wizards, George Karl had a new and rather unique comparison. After Doncic dropped 41/15/6 in the 126-127 loss, the Hall-Of-Famer drew similarities between Luka and Rick Barry.

Mentioning their ability to be all-around scorers, playmaking, control the tempo of the game, and being “underrated” defenders, the 71-year-old wrote on Twitter:

If you’re looking for a good Luka comp, it’s Rick Barry – one of the best all around scorers in history, able to control the flow of the game, great playmaker, underrated defender!

If you’re looking for a good Luka comp, it’s Rick Barry – one of the best all around scorers in history, able to control the flow of the game, great playmaker, underrated defender!

Agree?? pic.twitter.com/1qKQILSJ8G

— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) January 25, 2023

While Barry was a small forward, Luka plays the guard position. However, at 6-foot-7 both iconic players have almost similar numbers in their first 5 seasons:

Rick: 30.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 47.4% FG

Luka: 27.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists on 46.3% FG

Luka’s stats from this 2022-2023 season

The Dallas Mavericks advanced to the conference finals this past postseason. However, the Texas-based organization has not lived up to their expectations this campaign.

Sitting #6 in the Western Conference, the Mavs hold a 25-24 record.

Despite the franchise’s failures, Doncic has been extremely sensational so far. In the 44 games he’s played, the European youngster has been putting up 33.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.6 rebounds per game.

Also Read: Luka Doncic Furiously Rips Jersey After Missing Game Winning Free Throws