Paul George drops a bombshell on Luka Doncic: Surpass Dirk, surpass Giannis, reach the threshold of the greatest in international history?
Is Luka Doncic on the journey to rewrite the entire definition of greatness for an international basketball player? That is not only the question that fans ask themselves, but also the resounding challenge from Paul George himself – one of the veteran stars of the NBA – who just affirmed that Luka can become “the greatest international player of all time”.
George’s statement made the basketball community boil: “We are talking about becoming the greatest international player. That means surpassing Dirk, surpassing Tony Parker, surpassing Hakeem. He can even surpass Giannis. Luka has a chance to become one of the best to ever play basketball. His game is much more mature than his age. He is tough, and a real problem for any opponent.”
Putting Luka next to legendary names like Dirk Nowitzki, who paved the way for a generation of European players; Tony Parker, a four-time champion with the San Antonio Spurs; Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the most complete centers in history; and Giannis Antetokounmpo, a contemporary superstar who has won two MVPs, is not something anyone would dare to do. However, Paul George not only dares, but also confidently asserts that Doncic can surpass them all.
At 25 years old, Luka already possesses a resume that many people take their hats off to: multiple All-Stars, All-NBA First Team, and especially super-scoring performances in the playoffs. He possesses a strange combination of a guard’s organizational vision, a forward’s muscular physique, and a cool composure when facing pressure. That’s why George had to exclaim: “His game is much older than his age.”
But to be called “the greatest international player,” Luka needs more than statistics. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks to a championship in 2011, Hakeem Olajuwon won twice with the Houston Rockets, and Giannis Antetokounmpo not only won MVP but also lifted the championship in 2021. Luka, to this point, is still in the hunt for his first major NBA title. And that is the biggest gap in his resume.
It is worth noting that Doncic’s arrogance and bravery have led many to believe that such a moment is only a matter of time. He not only scores points, not only creates opportunities, but also plays with the spirit of a challenger. George emphasized: “He is tough, and he speaks frankly. He is a killer of young guys.” A statement that both praises talent and affirms a rare arrogance in a young star.
So the question remains: Can Luka Doncic truly surpass the international giants who have carved their names into NBA history? Or will he just stop at the status of an admired genius, but without a championship ring to complete his legacy?
Fans probably won’t have to wait too long to find out. But right now, when veteran stars like Paul George have acknowledged and put Luka in the conversation about greatness, one thing is clear: we are witnessing a special era of basketball, and Doncic is at the center.
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