Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell believes Luka Doncic’s No. 77 jersey should eventually be retired by the franchise. When asked about it by Grant Afseth of RG, Powell offered a short but strong answer, saying, “I mean, yeah. That’s not obviously my decision, but yeah.”
As one of Doncic’s longest-tenured teammates, Powell has seen the Slovenian superstar’s growth firsthand. No player has suited up for more NBA games alongside Doncic than Powell, making his opinion on the matter particularly insightful.
Their bond extends beyond the NBA court. Powell and Doncic also faced each other on the international stage. The two were opponents in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where Powell’s Canadian team defeated Doncic’s Slovenian squad. Reflecting on their relationship, Powell said, “We spent a lot of years together and shared a lot of great memories.”
The pair has not only created lasting memories on the court but also off it, including their friendly summer battles with their respective national teams. Powell shared how, after their matchups, they would return to NBA preseason with bragging rights, regardless of the outcome.
Doncic, who has been the face of the Mavericks for years, has put up remarkable numbers throughout his tenure. Averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 422 games for Dallas, Doncic’s impact on the franchise is undeniable. His play has consistently put the Mavericks in playoff contention and earned him multiple All-NBA selections.
Powell’s sentiments are shared by many fans and pundits, as Doncic has already cemented his legacy in Dallas. However, the matter of jersey retirement is one that rests in the hands of Mavericks’ management, not the players.
This season, Doncic’s performances continue to be exceptional. He remains a top performer in the NBA, and his recent stats for the Los Angeles Lakers, following a blockbuster trade, have kept his career moving forward. The 26-year-old is averaging
27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game for the Purple and Gold.
The trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles on February 2 shocked the basketball world. In one of the most unexpected deals in recent history, the Mavericks dealt their franchise player to the Lakers. This trade has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the decision while others support the Mavericks’ management for prioritizing defense.
