In sports, there's nothing like the torch passing from one franchise legend to the next. Sometimes it's in a figurative sense and other times, it's quite literal.
In the case of Dirk Nowitzki passing the torch to Luka Doncic, it's literal.
The similarities between Doncic and Nowitzki are impossible to ignore. They're both European wunderkinds the Mavericks acquired on draft night to reverse the franchise's fortunes. As such, the two have developed a great relationship during Doncic's first six seasons in Dallas.
Where did the relationship begin? Here is a history of Doncic and Nowitzki, including the one season they spent as peers.
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Did Luka Doncic play with Dirk Nowitzki?
Doncic and Nowitzki spent one season as teammates with the Mavericks. Doncic's rookie year in Dallas was Nowitzki's 21st and final season with the franchise.
“Dirk Nowitzki, he is [an] example for everybody,” Doncic said after being acquired by the Mavericks in 2018. “He's achieved so much. He's a legend. He's a leader. So, I'm really glad that I can be there.”
And as Doncic revered his legendary teammate, Nowitzki was also very impressed by a 19-year-old Doncic:
I could shoot a little bit, but I never had the court vision, the savviness and the stuff that he brings to the game. Just the way he already reads the pick-and-roll … like Chris Paul and these guys do. … He’s going to be fun to watch especially with a big like DeAndre [Jordan] rolling to the rim, Dwight [Powell] rolling to the rim. … He’s going to pick some defenses apart, and it should be fun to watch.
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After missing the first 26 games of the 2018-19 season, Nowitzki appeared in 51 games with the Mavericks — 42 of which he played alongside Doncic. Dallas posted a 13-29 record with Doncic and Nowitzki in the lineup and a 33-49 record for the season.
The duo's best moment came in the Bay, as Doncic recorded a 23-point triple-double and Nowitzki scored 21 points in a 35-point win over the defending champion Warriors.
In addition to the above moment, Nowitzki coached Doncic in the Rising Stars Challenge at the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, N.C. Nowitzki also earned an honorary selection to the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.
While team success was at a premium, Nowitzki ended his career on a high note and Doncic was named Rookie of the Year for the 2018-19 season. Nowitzki's standing as a Dallas legend has allowed their relationship to continue to blossom beyond his Hall of Fame playing career.
