Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle recently delivered his strongest endorsement yet of Luka Doncic, declaring the superstar the greatest player he has ever coached. In comments following a recent game, Carlisle praised the Slovenian's extraordinary talent and predicted he would win an NBA MVP award.
Former coach Carlisle predicts MVP future for Luka Doncic after glowing praise
As he spoke after the Pacers’ 117-128 loss, where Doncic recorded 44 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, Carlisle said:
“He’s a fiery competitor. I don’t see that changing. But look, he’s great. He’s one of the greatest. He’s the greatest player I’ve ever coached, just in terms of sheer ability. He’ll be an MVP.”
Carlisle continued:
“Luka is just the extra special of the most extra special in terms of everything he can do on the basketball floor.”
The Pacers head coach emphasized that Doncic's stubbornness and tendency to get frustrated are essential traits of elite competitors, stating that no great player lacks those qualities. This high praise comes despite their sometimes rocky history together in Dallas.
The remarks highlight Carlisle's continued admiration for Doncic, whom he coached from 2018 to 2021 with the Mavericks. During that tenure, the duo achieved significant success, including Carlisle earning Coach of the Year honors in 2020.
Carlisle described facing Doncić as "hell" for opponents and noted that the Slovenian guard controls games in ways he has rarely seen, making him nearly impossible to gameplan against. He even called Doncic "the extra special of the extra special" and a true warrior.
The statement notably elevates Doncic above other legends Carlisle has worked with, including Dirk Nowitzki, with whom he won an NBA championship in 2011. While Carlisle's past relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers star ended amid reported tensions and Doncic's eventual midseason departure from Dallas, these recent comments suggest that any lingering friction has given way to deep respect for Dončić's abilities and competitive fire.
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