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If you’ve been remotely paying attention to the NBA this season (which, according to early viewership ratings, is 18% less of you than it was last year), then you’re likely aware of the torrid start that Slovenian second-year small forward Luka Doncic has gotten off today.
Not only has Doncic — who was taken by the Atlanta Hawks with the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft and then traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young — been one of the best “young” players in the league, but he’s been one of the best players in the league period, as he’s been averaging 30 points, 10 rebounds, and just a shade under 10 assists per game. Truly mindblowing numbers.
In fact, Doncic’s stats at this stage of his young career are even more stunning when compared to those of modern-day NBA greats such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Garnett.
Through 88 career games thus far (which is essentially just one season plus six games), Donic has more points than Kobe, more assists than LeBron, and more rebounds than KG. That is simply something special as he’s putting up these numbers in what amount to his rookie season.
Leading the Mavericks to an early 11-5 start, barring a drastic injury or drop off in form, Doncic should make his first career NBA playoffs appearance this spring.
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Eric is a New York City-based writer who still isn’t quite sure how he’s allowed to have this much fun for a living and will tell anyone who listens that Gotham City is canonically in New Jersey. Follow him on Twitter @eric_ital for movie and soccer takes or contact him eric@brobible.com