Luka Dončić has undoubtedly become one of the most exciting and talented players in the NBA, but his journey to stardom hasn’t been without its challenges—particularly when it comes to his transition from Europe to the American basketball scene. The Dallas Mavericks, the team he called home for his first few years in the NBA, appeared to have completely misunderstood the mindset of the European phenom, and it could have cost them more than they ever realized.

When Luka was drafted by the Mavs in 2018, he quickly became the face of the franchise. His dazzling skills, basketball IQ, and maturity for his age were clear from the start. But while the Mavs embraced Luka’s extraordinary talent on the court, there seemed to be a fundamental disconnect in understanding his mentality, which stems from his European upbringing and basketball background.

The European Mindset: A Different Approach to the Game

Basketball in Europe is distinctively different from the NBA in many ways, from the style of play to the approach to coaching and team dynamics. In Europe, the game is often more team-oriented, with an emphasis on fundamentals, ball movement, and creating opportunities through a well-balanced offense. There’s also a deep respect for coaching, where players tend to have a different relationship with authority compared to their American counterparts. European players also tend to have a more methodical, calculated approach to the game, focusing on efficiency and intelligence.

Luka Dončić’s mentality was shaped by these European principles. Growing up playing for European powerhouse clubs like Real Madrid, Luka developed a sophisticated understanding of the game that often differs from the more individualistic and explosive style of play often seen in the NBA. While Luka’s talent allowed him to dominate in any environment, his European background meant that he didn’t always fit into the mold that some NBA teams expected of a young star.

The Mavs’ Misunderstanding of Luka

When Luka arrived in Dallas, there were high expectations for him, but those expectations didn’t always align with how he was used to playing the game. The Mavericks, under the leadership of head coach Rick Carlisle, had to adapt to Luka’s unique style, but there was also an underlying issue: the Mavs didn’t fully understand how Luka’s mindset would affect his integration into their system.

For one, Luka is a player who thrives with the ball in his hands, orchestrating the offense and making decisions on the fly. This is in contrast to the NBA’s more fast-paced, isolation-heavy style, where players like James Harden and LeBron James often take control of the game. The Mavs struggled at times to build a team dynamic that revolved around Luka’s playmaking, forcing him to take on more responsibility than perhaps he was comfortable with.

Moreover, Luka’s leadership style was different from what many Americans are used to. European players, like Luka, often lead by example—through hard work, precision, and basketball IQ—rather than by vocal displays of dominance or overt leadership. This subtle style of leadership can be misinterpreted in a culture that often values more demonstrative approaches, leaving some of Luka’s teammates unsure of how to engage with him.

The Pressure of Being “The Guy”

The Mavs had no doubt that Luka was a generational talent, but they placed an immense amount of pressure on him to carry the team on his shoulders from day one. While Luka thrived in many respects, the Mavs’ expectations often conflicted with his European mindset. In Europe, young stars are often brought along more gradually, given the time to mature as both players and individuals within a team-first system. In contrast, the Mavs thrust Luka into a leadership role so quickly that it sometimes felt overwhelming.

Luka’s need for balance between individual brilliance and team success wasn’t always properly understood. Instead of surrounding him with complementary pieces that suited his European-style game, the Mavs frequently relied on Luka to do everything, sometimes to the detriment of the team’s overall flow. In Europe, players learn to trust the system and their teammates, but Luka’s situation in Dallas often required him to single-handedly solve problems on the court.

A Changing Dynamic in Dallas

In recent seasons, however, the Mavs have begun to learn from their mistakes and adjust to Luka’s needs. The team has focused more on building a system that works for him, acquiring players who complement his skills, and developing a more holistic team-first mentality. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The addition of Kristaps Porzingis didn’t pan out as hoped, and there have been several hiccups in terms of roster construction and chemistry.

The Mavs’ recent moves, including bringing in new playmakers and shooters, show a clearer understanding of how Luka thrives. The team has begun to cater to Luka’s need for spacing, off-ball movement, and smart defensive schemes, and they’ve started emphasizing teamwork over individual performances.

What Luka Needs to Thrive

For Luka to reach his full potential, the Mavs need to continue to evolve their understanding of his European mindset. That means not just relying on him as the primary scorer, but also giving him the tools and teammates that will help him shine in the way he’s most comfortable. Luka needs a supporting cast that knows how to play off of him—one that can take some of the pressure off his shoulders and allow him to be the orchestrator he is best known for being.

Additionally, the Mavs need to embrace the fact that Luka’s leadership style is different from what many in the NBA are used to. Luka leads with intelligence, unselfishness, and execution, and those around him need to learn to follow his example. The right pieces in place, and a commitment to his European approach to the game, can unlock Luka’s full potential.

The Road Ahead for Luka and the Mavs

As Luka continues to evolve and mature as a player, the Mavericks’ ability to adapt to his mindset will be crucial. There’s no doubt that Luka is a generational talent who can lead a team to the NBA Finals. However, for the Mavs to reach their full potential as a team, they must continue to evolve their system and embrace Luka’s unique approach to basketball.

In the end, Luka Dončić’s European mindset is one of his greatest strengths—one that the Mavericks can build around as they strive for championship contention. By understanding his mentality and giving him the right pieces, the Mavs can finally create a team that complements Luka’s unique style, helping him achieve the success he and the organization deserve.