Luka Doncic has had quite the journey in the NBA. But how much of his career did he predict? Bleacher Report conducted an interview with Luka Doncic in 2018 where he unveiled his 5-year plan for the NBA. Doncic had some high hopes for each of the first five years, and we break them down below.
“I want to win the Rookie of the Year. I want to posterize Porzingis. I want to be King of New York. Sorry, KP.”
Doncic did end up winning Rookie of the Year, having one of the best rookie years in NBA history. While he didn't get to dunk on Kristaps Porzingis, he did get the opportunity to be his teammate, as Porzingis was traded to the Mavs in January 2019. So far, Luka made a good start to his predictions. But could he keep it going?
“I want to take care of my people, and start a business in Ljubljana, I want my own signature shoes. All NBA, Playoffs, All-Star. Yo, Steph - pick me.”
While Doncic wasn't able to start a business in Ljubljana, his presence with the Mavericks allowed them to start a partnership with several public institutions in his home country of Slovenia, which promoted the NBA and tourism in the country.
As for his signature shoe, Doncic would have to wait a little longer. Luka did sign for Michael Jordan's brand in December 2019, but he wouldn't get his first signature shoe in June 2022, at the end of his fourth NBA season.
In terms of his NBA predictions, Luka got it spot-on. He made the All-NBA First Team and was named an All-Star that year. Even though Stephen Curry didn't pick him because he wasn't the captain, LeBron James was, and he picked him as a starter.
“I think I’ll need a new car or two. And then maybe appear in a Drake song. ‘You used to call me on my cellphone’. And then, I’m going to shoot my shot - ‘Hey Jen, you up?’.”
Luka has kept his spending behavior very private. And while he didn't buy a car in his third year, he did buy a $2.7 million house in Dallas. Unfortunately for Luka, he didn't get to appear in a Drake music video that year, as those opportunities went to Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard that year. But considering the last few months, Luka may want to change that goal to appearing in a Kendrick Lamar music video instead.
Doncic may want to forget that he tried to shoot his shot with Jennifer Aniston. But he will be very happy with how his love life has played out. Doncic was already dating Anamaria Goltes at the time, with the two meeting as children and being in a relationship since 2016.
In 2023, Luka popped the question and asked Goltes to marry him in Slovenia, on the date of July 7th, which is a nod to his jersey number with the Mavericks and Real Madrid - 77. Later in 2023, the two welcomed their first child, their daughter Gabriela.
“Train with the best (LeBron James). And finally, MVP of the league.”
Luka Doncic has never been seen training with LeBron James, even though the two players have a great relationship with each other. So much so, that there were even rumors that James would consider singing with the Mavericks in the offseason, but that was shut down pretty recently.
As for MVP, that is an accolade that has evaded Doncic throughout his career. Most recently, in 2024, Doncic finished third in MVP voting behind winner Nikola Jokic and runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Considering Doncic is only 25 years old, he has plenty of time to win the MVP trophy.
“We finally win it. NBA champions. It’s all about the ring. Well, I better get started.”
Luka Doncic was expecting to win the NBA championship by his fifth season. Unfortunately for him, he and the Mavericks didn't even make the playoffs last year. However, Doncic will be okay with being one year late on his prediction, as he and the Mavericks have reached the NBA Finals, and could win the championship this season.
You can check out Doncic's entire predictions interview with Bleacher Report here.
Despite not playing a single minute of NBA basketball, Doncic was incredibly confident in his abilities, setting some very difficult goals. He correctly predicted winning Rookie of the Year, becoming an All-Star, and making an All-NBA team, even getting the year correct. Whereas, the rest of his goals took a little longer, or are yet to be accomplished.
Doncic has amassed one of the most impressive resumes in basketball history, all before the age of 25. Doncic is a 5-time All-Star and has made 5 All-NBA First Teams, along with consistently being one of the best players in the league. His resume could look even better with an NBA championship and Finals MVP trophy.
Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals with some incredible performances in the playoffs. Through the playoffs, Luka averaged 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, as he helped the Mavs beat the Clippers, Thunder, and Timberwolves to win the Western Conference Finals and reach the NBA Finals.
Luka and the Mavericks will play against the Celtics in the NBA Finals, with Game 1 tipping off tonight. Doncic could cement his status as one of the best players, not just right now, but of all time, by winning the NBA championship in his first attempt. However, he will have to be even better than he has been over the last few weeks.
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