There has been a lot of chatter surrounding young NBA star Luka Doncic the last few weeks. Throughout a flooded playoff race, the 21 year old has inflicted his mind on the heated first round match-up with the heavily favored L.A. Clippers.
It remains to be seen how sustainable this run has been, or how far the Mavs can go, but one thing is for certain, Luka is out to earn respect. Respect from everyone.
Ryen Rusillo compared his ability to score and see teammates to a current James Harden. This isn’t so shabby when you consider the 10 year age gap between the two, and Hardens uncanny ability to beat or shoot beyond anyone.
Bill Simmons, longtime NBA analyst and Raw Celtics fan, finds comparisons to Celtics great Larry Bird. His spatial awareness with the ball in his hands and his ability to generate flow and activity among his teammates flourish in the same way Bird’s did..
I’m not that surprised to see what Luka is doing.. Because Rick Carlisle is the coach. Rick Carlisle never won any MVPs no..
Hear me out here..No timeouts left. I’m going to explain to you why Luka Legend and Larry Legend are a lot more alike than you think..
Rick Carlisle’s playing career was short, but his coaching career is long. Literally began coaching in the NBA the year I was born. 1989.
After a few years as an assistant, in 1997 Carlisle joined the Indiana Pacers under Head Coach, Larry Bird. Upon stepping down, Bird tried giving the job to Carlisle but it was squashed by Donny Walsh and given to Isaiah Thomas.
Carlisle ultimately landed in Detroit, where he legitimately ignited the Pistons dynasty, going 50-32 2 years in a row winning 2 division titles and making the conference finals. Detroit would hire Larry Brown and go on to win a title in 04.
Then in 2003 Bird re hired Carlisle as head coach of the Pacers, who would beat the Celtics and Heat to go to the Eastern Conference Finals. That Pacers team would go 61-21.
He coached the all star team and oh yeah the 1 team in the Malace in the Palace.
The other team involved in that little scrap? Carlisle’s former team, the Pistons, coached by his replacement in 04.
He moved on from Indiana in 2006 and would start working for Dallas in 2008. 2 years later, they beat the Miami Heat Superteam and won the NBA Championship with another European star you may remember.
It should come as no suprise that a player is showing the grit, fight, desire, passion, or knowledge of the game that Luka is showing. Especially under Rick Carlisle.
Larry Bird is one of the best players of all time, but one feat he accomplished in his late 80’s Converse run was winning 3 CONSECUTIVE MVP’s. 1984, 1985, 1986.
Guess who else played for the Celtics during that 3 year reign of greatness? Remember that short playing career of one Rick Carlisle. He was a teammate of Bird’s for all 3 years. Larry Legend saw something a long time ago. Carlisle has bred fight and success wherever he’s gone. Who better than to breed Luka Legend?
I’m not saying Luka Doncic doesn’t become an amazing player without Rick Carlisle, I’m just saying Luka Doncic doesn’t become Luka LEGEND without Rick Carlisle.
Carlisle, is a savage. Im out.
