NBA Fanfiction Collection (2018-2019)

Luka Doncic Learns an Important Lesson - 12/4/18

While Luka Doncic, The Golden Eagle, did indeed improve his skills as a fighter by putting in hours of training with his sword and bow alongside his fellow Galloping Knights every day, he learned the most during one-on-one exchanges with Sir Dirk Nowitzki, The Speckled Rooster, in the High Lord's private chambers. Given Nowitzki's age at the time, training daily simply was not possible so he contributed to the young lord's development in other, more subtle ways. During one such meeting, Doncic expressed frustration with his recent performances on the battlefield.

"Lord Nowitzki, I...I can't vanquish my enemies from close-range. They just overpower me and I have to retreat. I guess I'll just keep training until I can beat them."

Dirk, who was tending to the fireplace at the time paused in contemplation for a moment before turning to Luka and responding bluntly.

"Luka, you're never going to be an elite swordsman..."

Doncic cocked his head back in disbelief and pleaded with the old legend.

"What!? How can you say that!? I'm the savior of these lands just like how you were when you were when you were my age. And I'll never be as strong as The Lion if I don't improve my sword skills! How am I sup—"

"Enough, Luka", Nowitzki interrupted before the young lord could rant any longer. He took the boy's straight sword, sat him down on his recliner, and took a knee so that their faces were level.

"You don't need to be as strong as The Lion, you just need to be as smart as him..."

Doncic took a deep breath and nodded his head as he calmed down. Nowitzki stood up again and hobbled away.

"And I'm not saying you should engage your enemies exclusively from far away like some cowardly archer. No, there is an in-between game, so to speak. You have to get the enemy just close enough. Do you understand?"

Doncic looked down at the sword laying across his lap and exhaled.

"I think so."

By the time Doncic looked back up, Nowitzki was already on the other side of the room rummaging through an enormous chest that was set up against the wall. He stopped for a moment and turned back toward Doncic with his hands still buried in the chest and a smile on his face.

"Now for your new weapon..."