Shaquille O’Neal, known for his candid analysis, recently lent support to a bold statement made by Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd regarding one of the NBA’s rising stars.
Kidd’s assertion that Luka Dončić surpasses franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki and deserves mention alongside Michael Jordan raised eyebrows, but O’Neal appeared to endorse the sentiment by sharing the same sentiment on his Instagram story.
Since joining the NBA in 2018, Doncic has demonstrated superstar potential, earning All-Star and All-NBA honors in four of his first five seasons. Presently, the 24-year-old is making waves in the MVP conversation, averaging impressive statistics of 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.6 assists.
Guided by Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks hold the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings with a 26-21 record.
This isn’t the first time Shaquille O’Neal has lauded Luka Doncic. Last year, O’Neal commended Doncic for excelling under immense pressure as the linchpin of the Mavericks’ offense.
Before the acquisition of Kyrie Irving, Doncic was the primary offensive force for the team, shouldering the responsibility of scoring and playmaking.
During a segment on “Inside the NBA,” O’Neal highlighted the weight of expectations on Doncic’s shoulders and praised his ability to thrive under such circumstances. He hailed Doncic as a “great player” and a contender for the MVP award.
