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4h ago

Rick Carlisle Says Luka Dončić Played Like Magic in First Mavs Pickup Games

Carlisle frames a rookie-era move to point guard as the turning point that unlocked Dončić’s elite playmaking.

Image
Mar 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) warms up before tip off against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Isabella Frias-Imagn Images
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Basketball player Luka Doncic in a yellow Lakers jersey with the number 77 and a Bibigo logo, Image 2 shows An NBA Lakers player dribbles the ball while a Knicks player defends him during a game, Image 3 shows Luka Doncic holding a basketball on a court
Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) walks across the court during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Rick Carlisle, who spoke on The Draymond Green Show Saturday, described watching Dončić in early Dallas pickup games and said the rookie was rebounding and “throwing dimes” like Magic Johnson.
  • Carlisle said he first saw Dončić as a wing because of his size but moved him to primary ball-handler about 10 games into the 2018 season, a change he called transformational for the Mavericks’ offense.
  • The coach called Dončić “the most unique player I’ve ever worked with” and a “killer competitor,” likening the guard’s temperament to players such as Larry Bird.
  • Dončić arrived in the NBA after winning EuroLeague MVP and Final Four MVP with Real Madrid and later became the Los Angeles Lakers’ focal star after a February 2025 trade from Dallas.
  • Carlisle’s remarks refocus attention on how early validation and a positional shift shaped Dončić’s rapid rise and put fresh emphasis on whether he can convert that talent into an NBA title or MVP honors.