03 January 2023 , 12:00
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Chicago Bulls point guard Goran Dragic hailed his compatriot Luka Doncic and insisted he always knew the Dallas Mavericks star would become one of the best players in the world.
Dragic is no slouch himself; the Slovenian was an All-Star in 2018 while he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2014. The 36-year-old was also named to the All-NBA Third Team in the same season, which perhaps signalled the pinnacle of his 15-year career in the league.
Nicknamed ‘the Dragon’, Dragic spat fire when asked about the accomplishments of Doncic, who has taken the NBA by storm. The 23-year-old is averaging 34.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game during an incredible campaign.
The former Real Madrid star also recently became the first player in NBA history to score at least 225 points while also tallying 50 rebounds and 50 assists over a five-game stretch. Doncic’s performances have seen him receive a tsunami of praise while many believe he is the frontrunner for the MVP award.
Doncic also recently notched the NBA's first ever 60-point, 20-rebound triple-double in the Mavericks 126-121 overtime win over the New York Knicks - and Dragic is undoubtedly a fan. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Sport, Dragic said: “It’s unbelievable to see what he’s doing. He gets one record and then breaks another that’s even crazier than the one before.
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“For me, it’s nothing new. Back in 2017, I said he was going to be one of the best players in the world and I really meant it because I had already seen what he was able to do when he was a teenager; how he read and played the game was just unbelievable to watch.
“I’m so happy for his success. Playing with [Doncic] is awesome; he makes the game easier. Everybody is focused towards him, so it’s a privilege to play by his side. Of course, we didn’t have the summer we want, but hopefully we can get back and win another medal together.”
Luka Doncic is the best player in the NBA on current form after making history over his last five games (Getty Images)Note how Dragic said ‘another’. Back in 2017, he scored 35 points in the final to lead Slovenia to the country’s first ever EuroBasket title, with an 18-year-old Doncic also playing a key role. It’s clear ‘the Dragon’ is hungry for more international success alongside the Mavericks superstar.
Dragic blazed a trail Doncic would walk on a decade later, starting his career in Slovenia before moving to Spain and finally the NBA. Ahead of representing the Bulls against the Detroit Pistons in Paris later this month, Dragic suggested the improved opportunities to travel from Europe to the United States is the best byproduct stemming from the development of basketball around the continent.
“It’s awesome to see how European basketball has evolved,” Dragic said with a wry smile euro stepping across his face. “There are more opportunities to go to the NBA so there a lot more international players in the league. Basketball is becoming a global sport.
“Back in the day in other eras, Americans were the best players in the NBA but that has totally shifted. It’s always good for a fanbase. European kids can dream of becoming like Luka [Doncic] as it’s a bit easier to come over from Europe than it was before.”
Watch the Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons in the NBA Paris Game 2023, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena from 19:30 on January 19