Luka Doncic shares how playing against adults at 16 prepared him for the NBA

Even during the beginning of his career, most people knew Luka Doncic was capable of doing unbelievable things and that he had a bright career ahead. In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, the Slovenian player talked about his early days, when he knew he was meant for glory as he used to face grown-ups, helping him develop some skills he later needed.

The interview was hosted by hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg, who was curious about Doncic's start. The rapper broke the ice, mentioning the audience that Luka had to face back in the day: "They put you against men at an early age," stated Snoop.

Luka, remembering the time he faced the Boston Celtics while playing for Real Madrid, said that he was 16 at the time but he played significant minutes:

I think I was 16 when I played against an NBA team for the first time. Against Boston, they came to Madrid. I think I was 16. I played like 4-5 minutes

Luka Doncic

Little steps toward the athlete he is now

Snoop, more curious about Luka's beginnings, asked him if those kinds of games prepared him to become the player he is now, wondering if the Spanish league served as a trampoline for his future career. Luka said:

Being 16 and practicing with grown men prepared me a lot. There are a lot of guys who played in the NBA before they came back. So they taught me about that

Luka Doncic

According to him, being thrown into adult-level competition forced him to mature quickly, well before stepping onto an NBA court. That mental and physical toughness shows today in the calm, poised way he navigates games under intense spotlight.

Growing up in Europe

His early days were unique. By being raised in a country like Slovenia, not many NBA fans can relate to his story and identity, but many other great and legendary players of the league have come from those sides of Europe too. However, he moved from the cold and small Eastern European country to arrive in Spain, the warm, big Mediterranean land.

"I left my country when I was 13"

Luka Doncic

Even though that change affected a young kid who had his entire life in his home country, it also opened the window to opportunities he did not hesitate to take. He arrived at Real Madrid, one of the biggest sports clubs in Spain (both soccer and basketball clubs), where he enhanced his talent by playing with and against the best.

He turned early challenges into the fuel that later ignited his playstyle, and that early maturity can now be seen through in every step-back jumper and clutch moment. Luka may have grown up faster than most other players, but it is clear he was destined to be where he is now.