Dirk Nowitzki provides Luka Doncic with veteran advice after NBA Finals loss

Luka Doncic fell short in his quest for a first NBA championship last season, as the Dallas Mavericks lost the series, 4-1, to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. It was Doncic's first time on the NBA's most prominent stage after he and Kyrie Irving willed their way through a stacked Western Conference.

During a recent appearance on the "DLLS Mavs" podcast, Dirk Nowitzki shared some advice for his fellow European standout, urging him to remain patient in his pursuit of success.

“Well just keep doing what he’s doing, honestly," Nowitzki said. "Do your game. Play your game. I know it wasn't the ending you were hoping for, but you know what? You're just getting started, you're 25-years-old. It’s good sometimes to get a little disappointment, to try again, to motivate you and push you to work harder and become an even better player if that's even possible ... He's an incredible player, he's playing at the highest level. He's an MVP-type caliber every year. Staying healthy, take care of your body. It's gonna be another long year."

Nowtizki understands what it takes to win an NBA championship with the Mavericks, having led them to the mountaintop in 2011. Doncic has clearly embraced being the next star European talent to lead the Mavericks, and the franchise has rewarded him by consistently improving his supporting cast.

This summer, the front office acquired Klay Thompson in free agency , drastically enhancing the floor-spacing surrounding him and Irving.

Doncic will likely use Jayson Tatum as a reason to remain motivated. The Celtics star suffered defeat in his first trip to the NBA Finals back in 2022, only to come back two years later and secure the first championship of his career.

If Doncic can stay healthy and continue improving his game, and the rest of Dallas' roster can avoid serious injury, the Mavericks can still contend for a title. Of course, contending doesn't guarantee winning.

Still, with someone of Doncic's caliber, a championship doesn't feel too far away for the Mavericks, especially if he can heed the advice of Nowitzki and remain patient.