BROOKLYN –At this point in the season, Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said he hasn’t really been surprised by the play of rookie point guard Luka Doncic.
“The aptitude and vision are special,” Carlisle said prior to Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. “The way we’re structured right now after the trades — we traded four-fifths of our starting lineup and we’re set up differently — he has more responsibility.
“And these last 20 games is a big opportunity for him to learn what it means to carry a bigger load. Not just a productivity load, but a leadership load, a responsibility to help others on the floor. He has a huge responsibility to play both ends of the floor.”
Carlisle added that Doncic needs to continue to make improvements in all areas of his game.
“When you come over here (from Europe), the NBA game is different, it’s faster,” Carlisle said. “There’s a lot to learn. . .just to continue to realize that every day you’ve got to work to get better.
“He’s lived that really through his young career. He started turning pro five-six years ago. He’s accomplished a great deal — we say is a short time — but it’s not that short.”
Doncic is averaging 21 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game and is favored to win this year’s Rookie of the Year award.
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