Luka Doncic reveals lessons learned from Dirk Nowitzki on Mavericks

Nowitzki would be the first to admit he probably retired a few years too late, and he wasn't moving as well in his final few seasons. However, everyone around the team lauds Nowitzki for his work ethic that season. He wasn't starting and was only playing about 15 minutes per game, but many people have said he still worked like he was in his prime.

That spread to Doncic, and while Nico Harrison may disagree about him being a hard worker, many players have talked about Doncic in practice and pick-up games where he's just dominating at all times. That doesn't come without hard work, and that was on display this offseason as he spent a month not touching a basketball and getting into better shape.

Luka Doncic's Close Friendship With Luka Doncic

Nowitzki took Doncic under his wing in their lone season together, and even after Nowitzki retired, he would still be around the team occasionally. Any time Doncic saw him, you could see the joy in each of their faces. That was part of the reason peopple were so upset with the trade in February.

So, when Dirk Nowitzki attended Doncic's first game in Los Angeles, that was a message to the Mavericks that he stands by Doncic, and doesn't agree with the trade. This was already coming at a time when Nowitzki wasn't around the team as much, but those relationships seem to be mended for now, as Nowitzki has mentioned he's a phone call away at any time.