• Jamahl Mosley was an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks from 2014 to 2021
• Luka Doncic and Mosley had a strong relationship during their time together on the Mavs
• Mosley discussed watching Dirk Nowitzki mentor Luka when he got drafted
Jamahl Mosley is one of the most exciting young coaches in the NBA, hoping to lead the Orlando Magic back to being a perennial playoff team. Prior to joining the Magic, Mosley was on the Mavericks’ coaching staff under Rick Carlisle, working extensively with Luka Doncic from 2018 to 2021.
Mosley also was coaching Dirk Nowitzki from 2014 onwards and revealed that Dirk was instantly looking to mentor Doncic when he was drafted.
“When he came to Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki mentored him and the way he worked. He showed him what he did inside and out how he did things. Luka observes everything, not just on the court, but how you conduct yourself off the court and carry yourself.”
Dirk’s final season in the NBA was Luka’s first, a very symbolic passing of the torch moment from one franchise cornerstone to the other. Doncic will hope to surpass Nowitzki and bring multiple championships to Dallas, but he has to first get back into the playoffs after finishing 11th in the West last season.
Dirk Nowitzki And Luka Doncic Have A Very Strong Relationship
Doncic and Nowitzki were teammates for one season, but it’s very clear that Nowitzki is one of Doncic’s biggest mentors since he’s made it to the league. They have a strong relationship, something Nowitzki elaborated on before the start of last season.
“He loves to have fun with his teammates and with people around him that he’s comfortable. So, I think with me, he feels fairly comfortable. He says whatever, and we usually enjoy each other’s company… He knows that anything he ever needs, I’m more than happy to help him out. Whether it’s on or off the court, he knows that I’m always in his corner. He’s such a great kid. He’s got a huge heart. He wants to do well, so if there’s anything I can ever do for him, I’m happy to do so.”
He also loves Doncic’s game, as he discussed the same in September 2022.
“Usually, guys come in and they are raw and develop, and with experience and hard work, they just take that next level. But to me, the way he already reads the game and makes decisions, off the pick-and-roll, when to pass and when to shoot. He is already playing like a 30-year-old. I have been super impressed. From day one, he came in just reading the game, his basketball IQ is just on another level.”
It’s great to see Nowitzki have such a high opinion of Doncic. Their relationship has matured over the last five seasons since Nowitzki stepped away from the game, as the German forward now works in the Mavs’ front office.
Luka Doncic Looking To Continue What Dirk Nowitzki Built In Dallas
Dirk Nowitzki changed the entire perception of the Mavericks. The team was considered one of the bottom-feeders in the NBA after they came into the league. Despite having talents like Mark Aguirre, the Mavericks never competed for titles and were often rooted to the bottom of the standings.
Nowitzki made them a perennial playoff team during his prime and brought them a championship. He kept playing even after his peak was behind him and left everything he could on the AAC floor. Now Doncic has made the Mavericks one of the most popular franchises internationally, but he needs to deliver a title like Nowitzki did.
Doncic averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists last season and is an unquestionable monster. He will put up big numbers. Everyone wants to see if those numbers can lead to winning big as they did in 2022, or will they be empty calories in a season without a playoff berth, as they did in 2023? We will have to see it play out this season after the Mavs had a very strong summer.
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