The lights inside the arena glowed with a subdued warmth, illuminating the polished hardwood floor in gentle halos. It was an early February evening, and fans from across the globe had gathered for the high-profile NBA event where legends and rising stars alike came to celebrate the game. Among the luminaries walking the corridors was none other than Michael Jordan—His Airness—looking every bit the iconic figure he had been throughout his storied career. Over two decades had passed since his final championship with the Chicago Bulls, yet Jordan still commanded a presence that stopped people in their tracks. Standing just across from him, amid a crowd of enthusiastic onlookers, was Luka Doncic, the Slovenian sensation who had taken the league by storm.
At first glance, Luka appeared relaxed, wearing his typical relaxed grin. But beneath that calm exterior was a heart pounding with excitement. Despite his own meteoric rise—Rookie of the Year honors, playoff heroics, triple-doubles galore—Luka still felt like a little kid whenever he encountered one of the game’s all-time greats. And Michael Jordan was not just any legend; he was the legend, the man whose name was synonymous with basketball excellence. When word spread that Jordan was in the building, Luka was determined to pay his respects.
They finally crossed paths in one of the arena’s back hallways, away from cameras and the throng of spectators who would give anything to witness this meeting. Jordan wore an impeccably tailored suit, the silhouette broad-shouldered and confident, while Luka sported his warmup attire—a reminder that he still had a game to play that night. It was a casual setting, but the significance of the moment was anything but casual.
“Hey, Luka,” Jordan said first, offering a hand. His voice carried warmth and a hint of curiosity. Even though Jordan had been out of the league for years, he kept close tabs on the new wave of players, and Luka’s remarkable feats had certainly caught his eye.
Luka accepted the handshake, aware that this simple gesture was bridging decades of basketball history. “It’s an honor to meet you,” he replied, his words sincere. “I grew up watching your highlights on repeat. I used to re-watch your games and try to copy your fadeaway. Even now, it’s hard to believe I’m standing here with you.”
Jordan smiled, used to hearing such tributes, but there was a certain humility in Luka’s voice that made the moment feel special. The two men chatted briefly about how the game had evolved—how the three-point line had become a focal point, how international players were making a greater impact, and how a young star like Luka was flourishing in a league once thought to be the exclusive domain of stateside talent.
Before Jordan could move on, Luka suddenly paused. He seemed to weigh his thoughts before speaking, as if unsure whether to continue. Jordan raised a curious eyebrow, encouraging him to go on. Finally, Luka mustered the courage.
“Mr. Jordan,” he began, unconsciously reverting to a more formal address, “I just want to tell you something that I’ve never really told anyone in person. I watched you play in the 1998 NBA Finals—well, not live, I was too young—but I’ve seen the footage countless times. Every time you took over a game, every clutch shot, every moment you willed your team to victory, it made me believe that anything was possible in basketball. You turned the impossible into something normal. And that inspired me to work on every aspect of my game, not just the highlight plays. It taught me that there’s a deeper mentality, a competitive fire that goes beyond skill. You showed me that greatness is a mindset.”
Jordan’s smile widened at Luka’s sincerity. Gratitude and modesty radiated from the young star, reminding him of the countless up-and-coming players who had grown up idolizing the ’90s Bulls. But Luka was different somehow—his thoughtful approach, his methodical footwork, his command on the court. Jordan could see a bit of that relentless drive.
“Thank you, Luka,” Jordan said. “I’m glad my game resonated with you. Just remember, it’s your story now. Keep writing it.”
Luka nodded, then took a small step closer, as if to share a secret. “I will. But there’s something else: you’re the reason I never doubt myself in the final minutes of a game. Because I saw you, again and again, create magic in those moments. I saw you shift the momentum with just one shot, or by locking down a defender, or by challenging a teammate to step up. Watching you made me realize that being great isn’t about being perfect; it’s about never backing down from the moment. And that shaped who I am as a competitor.”
Jordan’s eyes flickered, clearly moved by Luka’s earnest confession. For a brief instant, he seemed at a loss for words. Over the years, he had heard countless testimonials from players, fans, and coaches about his influence. Yet something about hearing it from one of the brightest young stars in today’s game, someone hailing from Slovenia—a country with its own rich but smaller basketball tradition—struck him differently. It was as if the global reach of his legacy was laid out plainly in front of him, personified by this 6’7″ point-forward who had already dazzled the world.
A hush fell over the narrow corridor, though the muffled sounds of the crowd just outside indicated they were still in a bustling arena. Jordan finally cleared his throat, searching for a response that could match the weight of Luka’s words.
“I appreciate that more than you know,” Jordan said quietly. “Sometimes, when you’re in the thick of your career, you don’t really think about the long-term impact. You’re just focused on winning the next game, the next championship. But hearing what you just said…it reminds me why I love this game. It’s the ripple effect—how one player’s passion can ignite another’s.”
Luka offered a gentle smile. In that moment, no cameras rolled, no reporters scribbled quotes—there was just a deep sense of mutual respect between two athletes from different eras. One had carved out a legacy that spanned generations, and the other was in the process of building his own legend in real time.
Before they parted ways, Jordan noticed the embroidered patch on Luka’s jacket that marked his All-Star appearances. He couldn’t help but remember his own early All-Star days, how each cameo on that big stage pushed him to refine his game further.
“You’ve got a bright future,” Jordan said, placing a reassuring hand on Luka’s shoulder. “I’ve seen you play with that fire, that competitiveness. Keep it up, and you’ll be taking this league to new heights. There’s a reason everyone is already talking about you as one of the best.”
Luka couldn’t contain his grin. He might have been a star on the court, but in front of Michael Jordan, he felt like a humble student of the game. “Thank you,” he said. “That means a lot coming from you. I’ll do my best.”
With that, Jordan nodded, still seemingly a bit speechless from the depth of Luka’s praise. He offered one final handshake and then slipped back into the current of people moving through the corridor. Luka stood there a second longer, replaying the encounter in his mind. Despite his usual composure, the conversation left him with a wave of excitement that he struggled to contain.
Moments later, Luka headed toward the locker room, where his teammates were preparing for that night’s game. As he laced up his sneakers, he thought back on the conversation: the glint in Jordan’s eyes when Luka mentioned studying his greatest playoff moments, the reverent hush when Luka explained the intangible lessons he’d learned about confidence and mental toughness. Few things in Luka’s young career could compare to standing face-to-face with the player who had fundamentally changed the sport.
By the time Luka took the court for warmups, word had gotten out about the encounter. Teammates teased him, reporters tried fishing for quotes, and social media buzzed with rumors about what Luka had told His Airness. Yet, for once, the details were truly just between the two of them. It was a private moment in a very public place—a shared connection bridging the gap between the 1990s Bulls dynasty and the new wave of international superstars.
For all of Luka’s accolades—his EuroLeague title before coming to the NBA, his record-setting triple-doubles in Dallas, and his unstoppable scoring barrages—this backstage conversation with Michael Jordan felt like a unique trophy. It was intangible, yet priceless, a highlight that would never appear on a stat sheet but would resonate in his heart forever.
And for Jordan, as he made his way to a courtside seat, he found himself smiling. He had once been that wide-eyed youngster, looking up to Dr. J or Magic Johnson, absorbing every ounce of knowledge and inspiration. Now, decades later, he was the one on the receiving end of that admiration. Hearing Luka’s words—especially the part about never backing down from the moment—touched him in a way not many things could. It reassured him that his legacy was more than the championships and trophies; it was the spirit he had instilled in the next generation.
Though few people noticed it, Jordan paused briefly before sitting down. He glanced toward Luka warming up, launching one smooth jumper after another. In the hush of his own thoughts, Jordan realized that the game was in good hands. The new generation—players like Luka—would carry on the tradition of unrelenting competitiveness, passion, and a reverence for those who blazed the trail before them. And that, more than any box score or banner, spoke volumes about basketball’s unbreakable chain of influence.
If Michael Jordan was ever left speechless, it was in moments like this—when he saw firsthand how his legacy had traveled across oceans and inspired a new star. Luka’s simple, heartfelt words cut to the core of what it meant to be a champion, and even the greatest of all time had nothing more to add beyond a quiet smile of gratitude. In that unspoken space, their conversation said everything that needed to be said: the torch had been passed, and the future shone brightly.
Mavs: Luka Doncic says Michael Jordan, not LeBron James, is NBA GOAT
Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic recently said Michael Jordan, not LeBron James, is the all-time NBA GOAT
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was asked by a reporter to make his NBA GOAT (greatest of all-time) selection during a recent press conference. Without wasting too much time, Doncic selected Michael Jordan over LeBron James, via ClutchPoints.
“I mean, it’s MJ,” Doncic said.
NBA GOAT debate
The Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James NBA GOAT debate has constantly been discussed over the years. Ever since LeBron started winning championships people have compared him to Jordan. LeBron is obviously still playing and has continued to make a strong argument for himself.
Active players are sometimes hesitant to answer the question because James is still an active player. There are others who have been more than willing to share their thoughts on the debate. Luka Doncic probably was not ecstatic to answer the question with LeBron also in the Western Conference, but he still selected Jordan.
Mavs: Luka Doncic heading into 2023-24 season
Doncic is currently preparing for the 2023-24 campaign. The Mavs struggled last year despite acquiring Kyrie Irving ahead of the trade deadline. Doncic believes Dallas will turn things around this season though.
Competing in the Western Conference is going to be difficult, however. LeBron James and the Lakers have continued to improve. Teams such as the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns also project to be legitimate contenders.
That said, the Mavs feature enough talent to shock the conference with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge. Dallas projects to be one of the most exciting teams to follow throughout the 2023-24 season.
