The NBA offseason has served as a glorious period of relaxation for the stars. However, Luka Doncic has not stopped the grind. After getting into tremendous shape this offseason, the Slovenian superstar has now taken over the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Amid all the work Doncic has been putting in during his time off from NBA action, it may seem like his personal life has taken a backseat. However, the Dallas Mavericks star’s purple patch has spread to his relationships as well.

Luka Doncic announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend Anamaria Goltes early last month. His special moment received warm responses from several NBA stars, congratulating the couple. However, a month after his major announcement, a former teammate of the 6’7 guard received the highest honor in basketball. Doncic naturally showed his support for this European legend.

Luka Doncic shows love for European legend

Luka Doncic has been having an offseason for the ages. While most NBA stars whiled away their time relaxing, Doncic has not stopped working on his game. The 4-time All-Star seems to be the fittest he’s ever been, also looks much faster in his game. His efforts have already started showing phenomenal results as he dominated his FIBA World Cup matchups so far. His engagement, too, served as the icing on the cake.

However, his former teammate and NBA legend, Dirk Nowitzki too, has emulated this success, despite not playing since 2019.

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Nowitzki received the highest honor given to basketball players this year. The Mavericks legend received an induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class. This historic achievement also witnessed the German Wunderkind receive the prestigious Hall of Fame along with his class members.

This legendary achievement of the former MVP garnered appreciation from his former teammate, Luka Doncic, as well. Doncic took to his Instagram to re-post an image of Nowitzki in the Hall of Fame ceremony to congratulate the European legend. He captioned his story “Congrats!!!“.

Doncic warmly congratulated Nowitzki on his incredible achievement. However, the two European superstars have shared a close bond over the years. This may have also propelled Doncic to show love for his former teammate.

Luka Magic and Nowitzki share a close bond

Dirk Nowitzki had been a dominant force in the NBA much before Luka Doncic entered the league. However, the two European phenoms got the opportunity to share the locker room for one season in 2018-19. In their 42 games together, they seemed to have built a bond that has lasted all these years.

Dirk Nowitzki left an indelible mark on the NBA during his time as the Dallas Mavericks franchise player. Leading the team past the Miami Heat super-team in the 2011 NBA Finals, Nowitzki delivered the franchise’s first-ever championship in the most dramatic fashion. His iconic one-legged fadeaways and shot-making at his size made him a unicorn in the NBA.

After his retirement, the German legend seems to have passed the torch to the 24-year-old Luka Doncic, who has taken over as the franchise player for the Mavericks since. Nowitzki has served as a mentor for the Slovenian star, paving the way for the young sensation to follow.

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