Mavs Ex Jamahl Mosley Speaks on Coaching Luka Doncic: ‘Dirk Mentored Him’

Former Mavs assistant coach and current Magic head coach Jahmal Mosely spoke about his experience with Luka Doncic during his tenure in Dallas.

DALLAS — Before accepting a head coaching job with the Orlando Magic in 2021, Jamahl Mosley was an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks starting in 2014. While a member of Rick Carlisle's coaching staff for seven years, Mosely was around for the end of Dirk Nowitzki's 21-year tenure with the organization while also being involved in the start of Luka Doncic's start. 

During a recent appearance on the HoopsHype podcast, Mosely spoke about a wide range of topics, including his time coaching Doncic with the Mavs. 

Mosley highlighted the influence of having Dirk Nowitzki as a mentor for Doncic during his rookie season. That presence was valuable for the Slovenian superstar, considering he is a close observer of those around him. Learning from one of the greatest ever to play the game in Nowitzki only helped.

"When he came to Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki mentored him and the way he worked. He showed him what he did inside and out how he did things,'  Mosley said of Doncic. "Luka observes everything, not just on the court, but how you conduct yourself off the court and carry yourself."

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The initial experience Mosley had with Doncic was during offseason pickup games. At the time, Doncic was coming off leading Real Madrid to the 2018 EuroLeague title and earning the EuroLeague MVP. Mosley was impressed with how natural the game came to Doncic, particularly with his passing reads. 

"The first time you saw it was in pickup games. We had runs in the summer. Luka came in after winning it all overseas," Mosley said of Doncic. "He was tired because he was playing nonstop, but he picked up right where he left off. Some of his passes he made you’re seeing now, but it’s always been his natural instinct." 

One aspect of coaching Doncic that Mosley appreciated was the appreciation for the game that Doncic holds, describing it as a joy to be around teammates and the game itself. From a talent standpoint, Mosley views Doncic as an "artist" simply capable of achieving the unthinkable. 

"He loves to play the game and loves being around his teammates. There’s a joy he plays with," Mosley said of Doncic. "That stood out more than anything. The talent level, he sees things other people can’t see. He’s always creating the game. He’s an artist in that way. He helps other guys be better."

Mosley was a favorite of Doncic when they worked together with the Mavs. Doncic was eager to support Mosely after his former assistant coach landed the head coaching job with the Magic.