"Luka is set up to be the only n**** to catch Bron" - Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett agree Luka Doncic entered the NBA in his prime
Luka Doncic is undoubtedly one of the league's five best players, and after carrying the Dallas Mavericks on his shoulders toward the NBA Finals, he has boosted his case as the league's top dog. What's impressive about what the Slovenian superstar has done is that he is only 25 and in his sixth year in the Association.
Paul Pierce shared his two cents on the matter, saying that Doncic has an advantage over his peers because he entered the NBA while already in his prime. Kevin Garnett agreed, stating that Luka looks ripe to eclipse one of LeBron James' seemingly unbreakable records.
"It's 100% his prime because you got to understand he's been playing pro since 16," Pierce said. "Right now, he's 25. He's in the middle of his prime. ... Come on now, he has five First-Team All-NBAs. He made first team since second year in the league. So, when he hit the league, he hit the league in his prime."
Garnett's bright outlook for Luka
Only a few players have done what Doncic has accomplished. It's rare to see a sophomore in the NBA become arguably one of the top five players. He clinched a spot in the All-NBA First Team ahead of fellow guards Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook. Moreover, he finished fourth in MVP voting behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron, and James Harden.
According to Garnett, the Mavs' cornerstone might be the second coming of James.
"Listen," KG said. "Luka is set up to be the only n**** to catch Bron. Don't nobody wanna say that sh*t."
The "Big Ticket" clarified that he meant Doncic will likely catch up to the 20-time All-Star's scoring record. He and Pierce are in awe of Luka after seeing him average 33.9 points per game this season "on one leg, drinking beer, having fun doing God knows what else."
Garnett has probably not yet heard that Doncic doesn't seem interested in eventually taking the crown from James. He once said that there is no chance of him playing long enough to catch up to the four-time MVP.
Luka's championship aspirations
Becoming the league's all-time top scorer might not be in Doncic's mind now, as he is focused on helping Dallas clinch the title. His squad is up against a formidable Boston Celtics and history because it is rare to see teams recover from 2-0 series deficits.
The former No. 3 pick may very well be equipped to lift the Mavs to the series victory. As Pierce alluded to, he started playing pro in Europe at 16. Three years later, he became a EuroLeague champion and Final Four MVP.
In addition, Doncic (and Kyrie Irving) knows a thing or two about rallying from 2-0 down, as the Mavs achieved the feat in the 2022 Western Conference semifinals against Phoenix Suns, as did the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Finals.
If Dallas does it, too, in this round against the Celtics, it will likely add to the "Luka Magic" lore.
