Photo CrediT: AP Photo/LM Otero

Rick Carlisle Sees Luka Doncic Developing Like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson And Michael Jordan

Luka Doncic didn’t disappoint in his first playoff series of his career. Despite the loss, Doncic averaged a stunning 31.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game on 50% shooting from the field, and helped the Dallas Mavericks push the Los Angeles Clippers to six games even while missing Kristaps Porzingis’ presence for the most part.

Doncic is writing his story in front of everyone’s eyes, and Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle couldn’t help but to heaps huge praises to Doncic, calling him as one of the toughest player he has ever seen in a long time. 

“He’s one of the toughest players that I’ve ever seen in this league, and that goes back 35 or 36 years. He is a great young player that’s getting better each year. He’s rookie of the year last year, this year he’s up for most improved. I’d like to know if that’s ever happened before,” Carlisle started.

Doncic has caught a lot people off-guard this year with a big leap to become one of the best players in the game today. However, next year seems a different story as people are starting to hold high expectations for the 21-year old Slovenian All-Star. 

Carlisle, who carries big expectations for Doncic, even see him developing like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.

“I expect that he’ll come back next year even better with something new in his game. The same way that Bird and Magic and Jordan, all those great players, did every summer.”