Luka Doncic’s ex-teammate responds to James Harden comparisons

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is often compared to LA Clippers star James Harden, especially Harden’s playing style with the Houston Rockets. Harden and Doncic, both high-level shotmakers and playmakers, also rely heavily on their step-back three, hence the comparisons.

Harden even seemed to acknowledge the similarities between he and Doncic when speaking to reporters at media day.

“There will definitely be a lot of me involved,” Harden said of the new Clippers. “There was talk when I was in Houston… ‘You can’t win like that.’ You just saw a guy (Luka Doncic) reach the final last season in exactly the same way I did.”

New Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. spent last season with the Mavericks, where he teamed with Doncic to the NBA Finals. Asked about the Harden-Doncic comparisons after Tuesday’s practice, Jones pointed out some ways they are similar.

“Their vision,” Jones said. “They both have amazing vision. They always see the entire floor. They can go to their spot whenever they want, go to the line as many times as they want, and knock down any shot they want. Yes, there are similarities, but they are also two different basketball players. I’m happy to be here.”

An elite lob threat, Jones has already benefited from Harden’s passing ability, just as he was alongside Doncic last season in Dallas.

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