Luka Doncic reveals lessons learned from Dirk Nowitzki on Mavericks

Luka Doncic is thankful for his time with the greatest player in franchise history.

December 1, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77) meets with former player Dirk Nowitzki following the 114-100 victory at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic isn't a member of the Dallas Mavericks anymore, which wasn't his decision. Nico Harrison traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, and Doncic isn't sure that he'll ever get closure from it.

Many expected him to get a statue next to Dirk Nowitzki's one day, which would've been a perfect ending for the two former teammates. Doncic spent his rookie season with Nowitzki in his final season, and Doncic recently talked about lessons learned from the German legend in an interview with Wall Street Journal.

“Professionalism," Doncic answered. "How professional he was with everything in his 21st season. He had the whole routine every day."

Luka Dončić on what Dirk Nowitzki taught him in the only season they played together with the Mavericks:

“Professionalism. How professional he was with everything in his 21st season. He had the whole routine everyday…” #MFFL

(🎥: @WSJMag) pic.twitter.com/MQqd0Bqxu6

— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) September 16, 2025

Nowitzki would be the first to admit he probably retired a few years too late, and he wasn't moving as well in his final few seasons. However, everyone around the team lauds Nowitzki for his work ethic that season. He wasn't starting and was only playing about 15 minutes per game, but many people have said he still worked like he was in his prime.

That spread to Doncic, and while Nico Harrison may disagree about him being a hard worker, many players have talked about Doncic in practice and pick-up games where he's just dominating at all times. That doesn't come without hard work, and that was on display this offseason as he spent a month not touching a basketball and getting into better shape.

READ MORE: Luka Doncic, like many Mavericks fans, unsure if he'll get closure from Lakers trade

Luka Doncic's Close Friendship With Luka Doncic

Nowitzki took Doncic under his wing in their lone season together, and even after Nowitzki retired, he would still be around the team occasionally. Any time Doncic saw him, you could see the joy in each of their faces. That was part of the reason peopple were so upset with the trade in February.

So, when Dirk Nowitzki attended Doncic's first game in Los Angeles, that was a message to the Mavericks that he stands by Doncic, and doesn't agree with the trade. This was already coming at a time when Nowitzki wasn't around the team as much, but those relationships seem to be mended for now, as Nowitzki has mentioned he's a phone call away at any time.

READ MORE: Mavericks take massive fall in future NBA power rankings, and it's no surprise

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the offseason

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

More Dallas Mavericks News

• Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki updates feelings on Luka Doncic-Lakers trade

• Dirk Nowitzki's placement in NBA history called into question once again

• Ex-NBA All-Star explains difference between guarding Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry

• Why Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison just became NBA's laughing stock again