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    Luka Doncic & Nikola Jokic: A Friendship That Creates Championship Dreams

    By Aiden Kauffman,

    2024-08-28

    In the world of NBA superstars, few friendships capture the imagination quite like the bond between Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic. These two European phenoms have taken the league by storm, dominating on the court and forging a close relationship off it. As their camaraderie grows, so does the tantalizing dream of seeing them join forces in Dallas.

    Doncic and Jokic are undeniably among the NBA's elite, both ranking in the top seven players in the league. Their on-court brilliance is matched only by their off-court connection. ESPN's Tim MacMahon recently shed light on their friendship, revealing just how close these two superstars have become.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4V8F5d_0vCE6o8T00
    Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) speaks with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half at American Airlines Center.

    Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

    Speaking on Brian Windhorst's The Hoop Collective podcast, MacMahon shared: "When the Nuggets come to town, Joker is over at Luka's house having dinner. And vice versa when the Mavs go to Denver." This glimpse into their personal lives only fuels the speculation about a potential partnership.

    Both are among the best in the entire league when it comes to court vision and passing ability. Imagine a pick-and-roll game with Doncic handling the ball and Jokic setting screens—the options would be endless. Jokic's ability to pop out for 3-pointers or roll to the basket would create nightmares for opposing defenses, while Doncic's threat as a scorer would prevent teams from doubling either player consistently.

    Their complementary skills extend beyond the pick-and-roll game. The ball movement and spatial awareness would be unparalleled. Jokic's presence in the high post could open up cutting lanes for Doncic, while Luka's gravity as a perimeter threat would give Jokic more room to operate in the paint.

    Related: Mavs Step Back Podcast: Kyrie vs. Steph Debate; Plans for Klay Thompson

    Luka Doncic, the five-time All-Star, averaged a staggering 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game last season, shooting an impressive 48.7 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from 3-point range. Doncic led the Mavs to the NBA Finals for the first time since their championship run in 2011. Adding a three-time MVP in Jokic to these already impressive numbers could potentially create one of the most formidable duos in NBA history.

    However, as MacMahon points out, the likelihood of this dream becoming reality is "extremely slim." He explains, "The Nuggets don't have the assets to pull off a blockbuster trade... And the same thing goes the other way for Dallas." The financial and logistical hurdles make such a move nearly impossible in today's NBA landscape. But for now, basketball fans can sit back and enjoy these two European superstars dominating the entire NBA.

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    Fifth Seal and ready
    08-28
    A picture of the leagues top center and point guard
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