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Dirk Nowitzki Trolls Mark Cuban For Saying Luka Doncic Is Better Than Him
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Dirk Nowitzki playfully responded to Mark Cuban's statement on 'The Draymond Green Show' by teasingly jabbing at Cuban's basketball expertise. With a chuckle, Nowitzki quipped, saying that Mark Cuban doesn't know anything about basketball. However, he quickly clarified that he was just kidding and praised Cuban, emphasizing their strong relationship.

"Well the good the good thing is here that Mark doesn't know anything about basketball so he doesn't know what he watching." 

"Oh kidding, Mark's my guy yeah honestly I mean I gotta say he's spot on you know I mean the what Luka is doing on from not only scoring himself, he's leading the league in scoring but the passing the all-around game, the rebounding... I mean the stuff that he's doing I was never capable of doing honestly."

"I was a scorer and then next I was a scorer and then I could score and the rest was sort of like you know I rebounded a bit I helped on defense a bit I was a horrible passer so uh the kid has a way better package than than I ever had." (11:17)

Acknowledging Luka Doncic's exceptional talents, Nowitzki conceded that Cuban's assessment was spot on. He lauded Doncic's multifaceted skill set, highlighting his scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and rebounding contributions. Nowitzki pointed out that Doncic's remarkable feat of leading the league in scoring while also excelling in other areas of the game, such as passing and rebounding, sets him apart. 

He specifically mentioned Doncic's impressive achievement of averaging a triple-double for an entire month, a feat that Nowitzki admitted he was never capable of accomplishing himself.

Contrasting his own playing style with Doncic's, Nowitzki humorously acknowledged that he was primarily known as a scorer throughout his career. He joked about his limited contributions beyond scoring. Reflecting on his strengths and weaknesses as a player, Nowitzki admitted that while he could rebound and offer some assistance on defense, his passing skills were lacking. In contrast, he praised Doncic for possessing a well-rounded skill set that surpasses his own abilities.

In his light-hearted response, Nowitzki's playful banter with Cuban showcased their camaraderie while also underscoring Doncic's exceptional talents and impact on the game. While acknowledging his own accomplishments, Nowitzki graciously applauded Doncic's superior skill set and contributions to the team, highlighting the evolution of the game and the impressive abilities of the younger generation of players like Doncic.

Luka Doncic Can Match Dirk Nowitzki's MVP And Championship Total This Season

Luka Doncic's outstanding performance this season has placed him squarely in the conversation for both the MVP award and an NBA championship, achievements that would match the illustrious career of Dirk Nowitzki.

With remarkable averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, Doncic has been nothing short of sensational. His shooting efficiency, boasting percentages of 48.7% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc, underscores his versatility and scoring prowess. These statistics not only solidify his status as one of the league's premier players but also position him as a formidable contender for the MVP title.

Although Nikola Jokic currently leads the MVP race, Doncic's exceptional season has undoubtedly earned him consideration. If he were to secure the award, it would mark a significant milestone in his career, validating his status as one of the NBA's brightest stars.

Beyond individual accolades, Doncic has propelled the Dallas Mavericks to a commendable record of 50-30, positioning them well for a playoff run. As they near the postseason, the Mavericks are poised to secure the 5th seed in their conference, setting the stage for a competitive playoff campaign.

While the MVP award may remain within reach, Doncic's ultimate goal is undoubtedly an NBA championship. With his exceptional talent and leadership, coupled with the Mavericks' strong performance this season, Doncic has a genuine opportunity to lead his team to basketball's ultimate prize.

Should Doncic guide the Mavericks to championship glory in his sixth season, he would achieve a feat that parallels Dirk Nowitzki's illustrious career. Nowitzki, a Mavericks legend and NBA icon, captured both the MVP award and an NBA championship during his storied tenure with the franchise. By matching Nowitzki's MVP and championship total in a single season, Doncic would solidify his legacy as the greatest Maverick of all time, further cementing his place in NBA history.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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