Jalen Rose Draws Unprecedented Parallel: Luka Doncic, the New Larry Bird?

Jalen Rose, well-acquainted with Larry Bird’s legacy from both sides, having rooted against him as a Pistons fan and later being coached by him in the NBA, made a noteworthy comparison during the Jalen and Jacoby show on ESPN in 2020. The subject of the comparison was none other than Luka Doncic, who had just achieved a historic 20-15-15 triple-double, becoming the youngest player to do so in NBA history.

Rose, known for his basketball insight, boldly stated, “I’ve never compared a player to him until now,” referring to Larry Bird. While acknowledging the differences in their playing styles and the evolution of the game, Rose emphasized the shared attributes of pace, court vision, and versatility between Bird and Doncic.

Despite the distinct eras they played in, Rose and his co-host, David Jacoby, highlighted the uncanny similarities in Bird and Doncic’s ability to anticipate opponents’ moves and maintain control of the game, always seemingly one step ahead. Statistically, both players showcased versatility, with Bird averaging 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while Doncic boasted numbers of 28.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.

Rose drew parallels between Bird and Doncic, emphasizing that, if Bird were a primary ball handler in today’s game, he might resemble the multifaceted skills displayed by the young Slovenian. However, Dominique Wilkins, Bird’s former rival, disagreed with such comparisons, stating that Larry Bird was a phenomenon with a unique blend of skills, making comparisons laughable.

While Rose sees similarities, others caution against premature comparisons, noting that Doncic has yet to match Bird’s accomplishments in MVPs and championships. The consensus remains that, regardless of similarities, Larry Bird’s indomitable spirit sets him apart in the pantheon of basketball legends.