Luka Doncic has yet to play an NBA game, but the hype is starting to build for the Mavericks' rookie, and it's being led primarily by his head coach Rick Carlisle.
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With fans having reservations around what Doncic has the potential to do in the league, Carlisle is urging that the Mavs' fanbase doesn't miss the show.
"Off of what I've seen over the last two days," Carlisle told Eddie Sefko of the Dallas News. "Anybody who doesn't jump on season tickets now is going to sorely regret it later, that's all I'll say."
The 19-year-old Doncic has already been a pro for four seasons playing in the Spanish ACB for Real Madrid. In 61 games in both the ACB and Euroleague, he averaged 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists leading Real Madrid to 2017-18 ACB and Euroleague titles.
At 19 he became the youngest player to win the Euroleague MVP, yet fans and some experts have developed a wait and see mentality with the rookie.
"Overseas I saw him a little, and I played against him in some pickup games [last week]," Mavs' guard J.J. Barea added. "He's bigger than I thought he was. He knows the game. He's a rookie, but he's a pro rookie if you know what I mean.
"You can tell it in one pickup game, the difference between a college player and a player who has had pro experience."
After missing summer league all eyes will be on Doncic when he steps onto an NBA floor for the first time. Dallas' first game will be on September 29th in China against the Beijing Ducks.
His preseason first game in front of the Mavs' fans will be on October 12th against the Hornets.
