Dallas Mavs' Luka Doncic Honored By Real Madrid Before 'Very Special' Matchup

Mavs superstar Luka Doncic was honored by his former team, Real Madrid, ahead of the Oct. 10 matchup at WiZink Center in Spain.

MADRID, Spain — Luka Doncic is set to face off against Real Madrid with his Dallas Mavericks squad on Oct. 10 at WiZink Center in Spain. It will mark the first time Doncic has played against his former team since declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft.

Before the two teams compete, Doncic was honored with a commemorative plaque, honoring him as an Ambassador of the Community by Isabel Diaz Ayuso. The event included Institutional Relations of Real Madrid, Emilio Butragueno, along with Chris Mateo, Rudy Fernandez, and Felipe Reyes. The Mavs had Nico Harrison in attendance, in addition to Doncic. 

"It is a great event that confirms what Madrid means as one of the great world capitals. All of us who love basketball are going to enjoy a game that we will never forget," Butragueno said. "It will be the ninth match against an NBA team and will be held a few months after winning the Undecima in Kaunas. The Madrid fans are very proud of what this team is doing. We are experiencing one of the most important winning cyles in our history.

"It is a great honor for Real Madrid to be able to face one of the biggest clubs in the world of basketball," Butragueno continued." It causes great emotion for all Real Madrid fans and all of us who love basketball. It's going to be a very special day for all Madrid fans. One of the great idols of basketball and world sport, our beloved Luka Doncic, returns home."

Doncic showed his gratitude for the distinction, describing the upcoming matchup as one that will come with "many emotions."

"It's an honor to receive this distinction," Doncic said. "Tomorrow is going to be a very special day, and there will be many emotions. Everyone knows what Real Madrid and Madrid mean to me. Thank you very much to all." 

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is honored ahead of his preseason matchup with Real Madrid / Helios de la Rubia-Real Madrid

There is great excitement for having Doncic back in Madrid, as well as to honor him for the impact he has already made on the club. 

"It will be a match that will pit two of the best teams in the world against each other," Ayuso said. "A party for all fans. It is a match that has raised a lot of expectations, not only because it faces Real Madrid, the current European champion, already a benchmark in the NBA, but because Doncic faces his former teammates.

"It is an honor to have him in our house, and he reminds us that he will forever be another Madrid native," Ayuso continued. "When we Madrid look at the NBA, he is one of our references." 

The continued relationship between Doncic and Real Madrid is consistently on display through his promotion of their football and basketball achievements. The club is grateful for Doncic's loyalty and passion. 

"Dear Luka, honorary member of Real Madrid, thank you for becoming a Real Madrid ambassador in the United States and worldwide. We get excited when you share our football and basketball triumphs. You have grown, you have trained, and you have taken with you the values that are transmitted at Real Madrid forever. 

"Today, you are on of the greatest references of the NBA. You know very well how much we love you, and tomorrow, you will see it when you go out on the field. Thank you again, dear Luka, for loving Real Madrid and expanding our legend. Tomorrow, we will welcome you as a legend and honorary member of Real Madrid."