Magic Johnson was truly a unique player, who stood out not only for his relatively bigger frame compared to most point guards of his era but also for his magnetic charm that made him an instant fan favorite. Even though several modern-day NBA point guards who are around the similar height, none can match the same selfless flair and playmaking as the three-time MVP.
However, Luka Doncic is often compared to Magic for his style of play, but in Mark Cuban's view, the Slovenian star has already surpassed the Lakers legend in one specific department.
Cuban saw similarities between young Luka and Magic
From the moment Luka arrived in the league, scoring was regarded as his biggest strength as he consistently averaged more than 21 points per game since his rookie campaign. The 6’7” point guard is not only a lethal 3-point shooter but a capable mid-range maestro who can willingly drive toward the rim to score. As impressive as his scoring prowess is, one of the most underrated parts of Luka’s game is his playmaking. Even in the tightest situations, the five-time All-Star has the ability to find his teammates with pinpoint precision, setting them up in such a stage that requires the least effort on their part to score points.
Appearing on ‘Russell Wilson’s DangerTalk’ podcast, Cuban expressed admiration for just how dangerous Doncic’s presence is on the court, comparing him to a legendary three-time Finals MVP.
"He (Luka) can pass the ball, can see from the top, can get where he wants from the court," Cuban said . "Knows how to pass to a guy on time and on target, loves to play in crunch time. Will take on the responsibility of anybody any time."
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Where Doncic is even bigger than Magic
Moreover, the former principal owner and current minority owner of the Mavs emphasized that, unlike many modern players who want to showcase their dominance aggressively, ‘El Matador’ was more like a baby-faced assassin, capable of dropping 40 points with a smile. This, the billionaire believes, is a trait he shares with Magic; but he went on to state that Doncic’s overall charisma might even surpass that of the five-time NBA Champ already.
"Millennials just have a different mind about them and different interests. On social media, he lights people up. He lights kids up. Wherever we’re playing, he’s spending time talking to kids, bringing kids onto the court," Cuban added. "His game’s most like Magic Johnson’s but his personality, I think, is almost bigger than Magic Johnson’s."
As the Mavericks have successfully built a star-studded roster for the 2024-25 season, Doncic may be required to take cues from Johnson’s playbook if he wants to lead his team to a title. Much like the 12-time All-Star who selflessly adjusted his scoring to elevate his teammates, Luka may also need to embrace this approach if he hopes to thrive alongside skilled scorers like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. Who knows—perhaps fans are witnessing the emergence of a new-age Magic in the Slovenian superstar.
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