Jalen Rose, ESPN analyst and 13-year NBA veteran: “I have never compared a player to [Larry Bird] until now. … In the modern game, if he was facing the floor as the primary ball handler, he would look like Luka.” Mark Jackson, former NBA player and coach and current broadcaster: “To me, Luka Doncic is an absolute combination of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.” – via Tim MacMahon, Kevin Pelton @ ESPN
A bemused rival executive sent a text as Doncic took yet another trip to the free throw line during an early-season game. “Looks like Luka has seen every Beard game ESPN tape from the past 3 years,” the executive texted. “He’s using all the tricks.”
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors head coach: “He’s got this James Harden skill set with crossover and step-backs. He’s a brilliant player and so young, and he’s going to be one of the cornerstones of this league for a long time.” Doc Rivers, LA Clippers head coach: “He’s a combination of a lot. [James] Harden, in some ways. Obviously the Larry Bird comparison. … He has great vision, LeBron-ish. There’s a lot of people in him. But I think … when he retires, people are going to say he was Luka.” – via Tim MacMahon