The Dallas Mavericks have long been synonymous with European basketball excellence. After an incredible 21-year run led by Dirk Nowitzki, the franchise found its next cornerstone in Luka Doncic, a prodigious European talent destined to carry the team forward.
Though a blockbuster trade in February sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, breaking many hearts in Dallas, his bond with Mavericks fans remains unshaken.
His dazzling style of play earned him the beloved nickname “Luka Magic,” a phrase that Mavericks legend Tyson Chandler has put into a new light by comparing Luka to one of the NBA’s all-time greats, Magic Johnson.
Why Tyson Chandler sees Luka Doncic as a European Magic Johnson
Tyson Chandler, a former NBA star and current player development coach for the Mavericks, shared his admiration for Doncic during the 22nd Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Europe camp held in Manchester.
Reflecting on the influence of international stars in the NBA, Chandler pointed out how rare Luka’s skill set truly is. He described Doncic as “a European version of Magic Johnson,” praising his ability to do things on the court that few players can replicate.
“I’ve been around the game for a long time, and there are very few special players that will show you some things that you’ve never seen before,” Chandler said. “Luka was one of those players. I would always call him Luka Magic because he reminded me of a European version of Magic Johnson.”
Chandler highlighted Magic Johnson’s signature style: a player with a killer instinct who played with a big smile on his face, bringing joy to fans while dominating games. Luka embodies that same charisma and joy in every game he plays.
Mark Cuban, minority owner of the Mavericks, has also drawn parallels between the two, calling them “baby-faced assassins” who can light up the scoreboard effortlessly while maintaining a confident charm.
Chandler’s connection to Luka goes beyond observation; he’s worked closely with the young star since 2021 as a player development coach. He witnessed firsthand not just Doncic’s explosive game-day performances but also his exceptional work ethic during practice sessions.
“Luka was one of the best players I’ve ever seen on the court and in practice. It’s very difficult to impress your peers, and Luka does things I’ve never seen before,” Chandler said.
The BWB camp provided a global stage for rising basketball talents to learn from NBA players like Ivica Zubac and Kevin Huerter, along with legends such as Chandler and Derek Fisher. This year’s camp, the first ever held in the United Kingdom, showcased basketball’s expanding international footprint.
Chandler’s praise for Doncic not only celebrates the Slovenian’s extraordinary skills but also underscores how Luka carries forward the legacy of international players reshaping the NBA, much like Magic Johnson did for his generation.
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