Doncic wishes he had more time playing with Nowitzki

Luka Doncic was only teammates with Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki for one season, but it made a big impact on his career.

Ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, Doncic reflected on what it was like to play alongside Nowitzki as a rookie and how he wished they had more time together.

"I remember my first year, when I came here, it was surreal to be on the same team as Dirk Nowitzki," Doncic said. "Obviously, I wish could play with him more. His last season, my first, was amazing just to experience. He helped me a lot, especially coming into the NBA, not knowing what to expect or what kind of player I am going to be.

"He helped me a lot, just seeing him work every day. Even in his last season, the amount of work he put in and everything."

Nowitzki retired from the NBA in 2019 following a 21-year career, the entirety of which was spent in Dallas. He helped lead the Mavs to their first and only championship in 2011.

Now with Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the helm, the Mavs are set to make their third Finals appearance and first since that 2011 victory.