Crossing paths with Michael Jordan is a special moment for all players in the big league, including Luka Doncic. The Slovenian recently returned to his first meeting with His Airness, and the least we can say is that the former Bull made a strong impression.
After Michael Jordan, LeBron James or even Stephen Curry, it may be good Luka Doncic who is set to become the face of the NBA in the years to come. In just four seasons on the US courts, the Dallas superstar has individually demolished everything in his path, piling up records for precocity and all-time performances of all kinds. Having climbed to the conference finals last year with his franchise, he could well reach the throne of the league in a short time.
Some already see him becoming the future GOAT, overtaking His Airness which has the most support in this debate. However, Jordan remains Jordan and even for someone like El Matador, being at his side remains daunting to say the least. Especially when you’re only 20 like No. 77, the first time he met MJ. He returned to this anecdote at the microphone ofESPNnot hiding that he had trouble even communicating with the legend:
Luka Doncic: ‘I didn’t know what to say to Michael Jordan’
Luka was speechless when he first met MJ ????
“I was too nervous. I didn’t know what to say.” pic.twitter.com/CjzK8NiW6P
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 22, 2022
Luka Doncic : I met him at my first All-Star Game. I think it was kind of a celebration of something. I don’t know, but I was too nervous. I did not know what to say.
Malika Andrews : Did you end up saying something or did you just look at your feet?
Luka Doncic : I just said “Hi”. Then: “How are you? “, I believe. Something like that.
We want to believe Halleluka, who therefore had the impression of being a very shy child in contact with the six-time champion, whose aura gives him an almost mythical status. Since then, however, they have gotten to know each other well, especially since the Slovenian has joined Jordan Brand. We can even speak of a budding friendship, Mike having made a viral surprise to the Mavs franchise player during the last all-star game.
Almost three years after this first meeting, the ROY 2019 has taken on a whole new dimension and is among the regular candidates for the MVP. With more than 28 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists per game last season, he finished 4th in the votes for the best player trophy and intends to finish ahead of everyone in 2022-23. All while also getting his first champion ring! After that, he will need five more to join the Chicago legend.
Basketball genius that he is, even Luka Doncic lost words the first time he interacted with Michael Jordan. At the same time, it’s not so surprising considering he was then in his second season, barely 20 years old. We are talking about potential GOAT, after all.
