The Dallas Mavericks continue to shape a new era following the departure of Luka Doncic, but the former franchise star’s impact remains evident throughout the basketball world. For one of Dallas’ newest rookies, Sergio De Larrea, that influence extends back to his childhood growing up in Spain.
De Larrea recently acknowledged that Doncic was the player he admired most while developing his own game. His comments offered a glimpse into how the Slovenian superstar inspired a generation of young European players long before they reached the NBA.
The Mavericks have experienced significant changes since reaching the 2024 NBA Finals. Consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, combined with the blockbuster trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, forced the organization into a period of transition and roster reconstruction.
Now, however, Dallas appears focused on turning the page. Led by top overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, the anticipated return of Kyrie Irving, and a fresh direction under head coach Dusty May, the franchise enters the new season with renewed optimism and several promising young players eager to contribute.
1. A Childhood Idol
Although De Larrea is beginning his professional journey with the Mavericks, he has followed the organization for years because of Doncic. Growing up in Spain, he watched the All-Star guard develop into one of the NBA’s biggest stars and became a longtime supporter of Dallas.
Speaking in an interview shared by DLLS Mavs’ Kevin Gray Jr., the 20-year-old guard explained that Doncic was his basketball idol during his younger years. He said that admiration naturally led him to become a fan of the Mavericks well before joining the franchise himself.
For many European prospects, Doncic’s rapid rise from international basketball to NBA superstardom has served as proof that players from overseas can become franchise leaders at the highest level. De Larrea’s comments reflect that broader influence across the continent.
While he now wears the same uniform that Doncic once made famous, De Larrea understands he must establish his own path. Rather than trying to replace the former Mavericks star, the rookie is focused on developing his own game and earning opportunities within Dallas’ evolving roster.
2. An Unusual NBA Journey
De Larrea’s road to Dallas has been anything but straightforward. After initially entering the NBA through the Los Angeles Lakers, he never had the opportunity to play alongside Doncic despite briefly sharing organizational ties.
Instead, he was traded to the New York Knicks before ultimately landing with the Mavericks as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Phoenix Suns. The sequence of moves brought him full circle to the team he had supported as a young fan.
Although those transactions happened quickly, they ultimately placed De Larrea in an organization where he already felt a personal connection. His familiarity with the Mavericks’ history could help ease his transition into the NBA environment.
Like many second-half first-round selections, De Larrea is expected to compete for minutes rather than immediately step into a featured role. His development will likely depend on his ability to adapt to the speed and physical demands of the professional game.
3. Dallas Looks Toward The Future
The Mavericks believe they have assembled the pieces to begin a new chapter after several difficult seasons. Winning the No. 1 overall pick allowed the organization to select highly regarded prospect Cooper Flagg, giving Dallas a potential cornerstone for years to come.
Alongside Flagg, veteran guard Kyrie Irving is expected to play a major leadership role upon his return. His experience and championship pedigree could prove invaluable for younger teammates like De Larrea as they adjust to NBA competition.
Dallas also strengthened its rookie class by adding Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick and Tobi Lawal later in the draft. Together with De Larrea, the newcomers provide additional depth and youthful energy to a roster aiming to return to playoff contention.
While memories of the Luka Doncic era remain significant, the Mavericks are now focused on building their future around a different group of players. For De Larrea, joining the franchise he admired as a child presents both a meaningful opportunity and the chance to write his own story in Dallas.