NBA star Paul George has added his voice to the growing chorus of admiration for Luka Dončić, praising the Dallas Mavericks guard as one of the most extraordinary international players the league has ever seen.
Speaking on his popular podcast, George compared Dončić to some of basketball’s most iconic international legends, including Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginóbili, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, and Hakeem Olajuwon. According to George, Dončić’s skill set, maturity, and ability to dominate games at such a young age place him in a category reserved for only the most elite.
“When you talk about international greats, Luka’s name has to be in the conversation already,” George said. “He’s doing things in his mid-20s that guys don’t usually figure out until later in their careers. The pace, the vision, the clutch factor—he’s got it all. He reminds me of the way Dirk carried the Mavs, but he’s doing it in his own unique style.”
Dončić, who has been the cornerstone of the Mavericks since entering the league in 2018, continues to rewrite record books. At just 26, he has already earned multiple All-Star selections, All-NBA First Team honors, and has become a perennial MVP candidate. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding makes him one of the most versatile players in modern basketball.
George highlighted Dončić’s ability to elevate his teammates and thrive under pressure, comparing his mental toughness to legends of the past. “You can throw two, three defenders at him, and he’ll still make the right play. That’s greatness. That’s what makes guys like Ginóbili or Pau so memorable—knowing how to win in any situation. Luka’s got that in him already,” George noted.
Fans and analysts were quick to echo George’s sentiments. Social media buzzed with reactions, with many debating whether Dončić could eventually surpass Nowitzki as the greatest European player in NBA history. Others argued that his trajectory suggests he could become not just an international icon, but one of the greatest players in league history, period.
For Dončić, who has often downplayed comparisons and insisted on focusing on winning, the praise from established stars like George adds further weight to his growing legacy. With many prime years still ahead, his career appears poised to continue reshaping the conversation about international influence in the NBA.
As George concluded, “We’ve had legends from all over the world make their mark on the NBA. Luka’s not just following in their footsteps—he’s carving out a path that could put him at the very top of that list.”
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