The hype surrounding rookie Luka Doncic in Dallas is ramping up and much of it is coming from within the franchise as his debut season in the NBA draws closer The Mavericks believe they have a potential superstar on their hands and haven't been afraid to go on record to rave about the 19-year-old. Owner Mark Cuban described him as the best player in the draft and was prepared to do whatever it took to secure his services. They got their wish as they acquired him in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks that saw them send number five pick Trae Young and a 2019 first round pick in the opposite direction. After becoming the youngest MVP in EuroLeague history, the expectations around Doncic are high but the Mavs are doing little to downplay them. 

Increasing expectations

Head coach Rick Carlisle has warned their fans that they'll regret it if they don't come to watch him play on a nightly basis. 

“Off of what I’ve seen over the last two days, anybody who doesn’t jump on season tickets now is going to sorely regret it later, that’s all I’ll say,” Carlisle said, per Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. 

The Slovenian enjoyed a hugely successful spell in Europe with Real Madrid and was dominating seasoned veterans at such a young age. 

In terms of his development, he's already ahead of his fellow rookies as he's spent a few years playing professionally. 

Dirk Nowitzki, who also made the jump from Europe 20 years ago, heaped major praise on the point guard this week and described him as an "incredible talent".

"I really like what I'm seeing," Nowitzki said on Dallas radio's 105.3 The Fan.

"He's incredible with the ball for a big guy. ... He's unbelievable in pick-and-roll play. ... The court vision is already unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I saw for a 19/20-year-old. Unbelievable.

"We're going to do everything we can to help this kid develop and have fun and learn so we can see the best Luka here hopefully in a couple more years. But he's an incredible talent."

Doncic won the 2017-18 EuroLeague title with Madrid and was also named as the Final Four MVP. 

He certainly comes with a huge reputation and Dallas fans will surely heed coach Carlisle's advice and pack the American Airlines Center to see the talented youngster this season. 

With the Mavs beginning their campaign on the road against the Phoenix Suns, the first chance they'll get to watch him at home will be on October 20 when they entertain the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

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