Luka Doncic Previews Dallas Mavs' Match vs. Real Madrid, Doesn't Rule Out Future Return to Europe
MADRID, Spain — Luka Doncic has relished his time in Spain ahead of the Dallas Mavericks facing off against his former team, Real Madrid. The game is set for Oct. 10 at WiZink Center at 1:45 p.m. CST. is looking forward to a "very special" game with no shortage of his former teammates.
"Everyone is pleased to be here, and I'm the happiest. We're in preseason, and it's not going to be easy playing against Madrid," Doncic said. "I've been waiting for this match for months. It's going to be very special for me, maybe the most. It's going to be really exciting, and I'm looking forward to getting out there on the court. Real Madrid haven't lost a game yet; it's still early in the season, but they look very good".
Doncic mentioned that Mavs Governor Mark Cuban assured him the Mavs would play a game against Real Madrid. While the Mavs were in Abu Dhabi, Cuban expressed his excitement for Doncic being able to play against Real Madrid. He also mentioned the Mavs have tried to make this match happen since the Slovenian superstar's second NBA season.
"I'm excited for Luka. I think it was Luka's second year that I promised him we would play in Madrid," Cuban said. "It took us a while to get it all organized, and COVID slowed things down, but I'm excited for him because I know he's excited. That's going to be the best part."
It remains to be seen what approach Real Madrid will deploy to slow down a talent the team is quite familiar with. Regardless of the opposition's tactics, Doncic remains intrigued by what he will encounter and excited to play the game.
"I think it's going to be competitive," Doncic said. "In the end, you also play against an NBA team. I don't know. The trust is that I have thought about it a lot. I don't know how it's going to start. I don't know how it's going to happen. I'm very excited to play this game."
Luka Doncic playing for the Dallas Mavericks (left) and Real Madrid (right)
Left: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports; Right: Nikola Krstic/REX/Shutterstock
There have been plenty of memories returning to Doncic from his short time being back in Madrid. With the Mavs quickly departing from Abu Dhabi after the team's final game on Oct. 7, it's afforded the group time to experience Spain.
"There are many memories just being here," Doncic said. "Being here, being in Valdebebas, being in Madrid, there are a lot of memories. Beautiful memories. And well, I'm very happy to be back."
When reflecting on his time with Real Madrid, Doncic credits the club for helping to teach him valuable knowledge about life and basketball. He doesn't believe he'd be where he's at now had it not been for his time with Real Madrid.
"I surely wouldn't be where I am now," Doncic said. "Like I said, this is where I learned everything, I learned how to talk, study, play basketball and many more things. So I surely wouldn't be where I am now."
When asked what Doncic misses most about his time in Madrid and if there is anything he'd take back with him to Dallas, he had a lengthy list, but joked that he'd take back the ham.
"I would take Rudy and Llull," Doncic said. "Well, many, almost all of [my teammates]. Some coaches too. Some physio. But what I'm sure I will take with me is the ham."
Doncic did not have time to visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium that is being built, but he did state that he'd like to see it if the NBA does bring the Mavs back to Madrid for another international exhibition match.
"I haven't seen it, but hopefully, we'll play there one day, with the NBA bringing us back," Doncic said.
Luka Doncic at his press conference ahead of the Dallas Mavericks’ game against Real Madrid.
NBA Spain
Doncic shared his thoughts on how the European game compares and contrasts to the NBA. He feels the European is "very different" and oriented on half-court sets with a shorter 3-point line and condensed court."
"I think it's a very different kind of basketball," Doncic said. "In the end, you have a wider court, and the 3-point line is further away. But I think that in Europe you play more as a team, that is, in fewer minutes you play more as a team. The plays are very important. I think there are not many plays in the NBA, so team basketball is very important."
The NBA used the European game as an example when instituting the in-season tournament set for the 2023-24 season. Doncic reflected on how the Copa del Rey was "special" to compete for with Real Madrid but is intrigued to see how meaningful the NBA's version becomes.
"I have played the Copa del Rey here. The Copa del Ray is something special," Doncic said. "I don't know how it will be in the NBA. It's the first year they're doing it. I don't know the rules yet. I'm a bit confused. I think it's going to be fine. And well yes, there are always options."
Doncic did not rule out an eventual return to Europe, but if he did, it would only be to play for Real Madrid. He is currently signed to a five-year, $215.2 million contract with the Mavs and could earn $80 million per season on his next deal.
"If ever go back to Europe, I will surely go back to Madrid. That's 100%," Doncic said. "I don't know what the future is going to be like, but if I ever go back to Europe, I'm sure it will be Madrid."
After the Mavs play against Real Madrid, the team is expected to resume practice in Dallas on Saturday ahead of an Oct. 20 preseason finale against the Detroit Pistons.
