‘The Real Deal’: Former NBA All-Star Believes Luka Doncic Should Be Part of the Top 75 NBA Players List

Published 10/02/2021, 9:02 AM EDT

Ever since Dirk Nowitzki left the franchise, the Dallas Mavericks were yearning for a potential superstar. Fortunately for Mavericks fans, they now have Luka Doncic. A 22-year-old Slovenian phenom, who has wreaked havoc in the league ever since his debut. The impact he has made on the league is incredible. The small forward is one of the best players in the league. In spite of getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, former NBA All-star Mark Jackson believes he can make it to the top 75 NBA list.

The NBA 75 list

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As it is the 75th anniversary of the NBA, the league will release a list of players who have impacted the league with their greatness. The NBA 75 list will be announced this season, celebrating the player’s achievements. This prompted Mark Jackson to name a current NBA player in Doncic, to make that list. In an interview with NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe, Jackson spoke about the talent the kid possessed.

“The one guy that you named to me, I think, could well very be on the top 75 player list that comes out pretty soon. And people say will there be a sleeper that’s young, but Luka Doncic is the real deal. When you look at what he’s been able to do early on in his career, he has got it. If it was me voting, he’s on the list,” said Jackson.

The current crop of NBA players is extremely promising. Ja Morant, Trae Young, Lamelo Ball, and Zion Williamson are all potential Hall of Famers, considering their current trajectory. But, Jackson thinks Doncic has proved himself to be above the rest, which is why deserves a spot on the list so early on in his career.

Moreover, Sharpe weighed in as well, stating how Doncic reminded him of Celtics legend Larry Bird.

“He is the closest thing that I’ve seen close to Bird,” said Sharpe.

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Luka Doncic showered with praise

The interview saw both Sharpe and Jackson analyze Luka’s game ahead of the upcoming NBA season. The small forward wants to win games and looks hungry to win it with the Dallas Mavericks.

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Luka’s step-back three is his most terrifying weapon. The phenom has an average of 27.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in his career and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Even though there are many young talented players in the league, Luka ‘Magic’ continues to shine week in week out.

Therefore, Jackson may be right in selecting Doncic as one of the best players in the league. Whether he would make the list is up to people who vote to decide.

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What do you think? Should Luka Doncic be on this list or is it a bit too early for that? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.

‘The Real Deal’: Former NBA All-Star Believes Luka Doncic Should Be Part of the Top 75 NBA Players List

The NBA 75 list

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