Kings' Joerger doesn't see ceiling for Doncic: 'Unfortunately for us'

Perhaps Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger is simply a fan of 19-year-old Luka Doncic, or maybe he wishes his team would have selected the Slovenian sensation in the 2018 draft.

Regardless, Joerger sang Doncic's praises Sunday night ahead of his Kings taking the floor at American Airlines Center to battle the Dallas Mavericks.

"Perhaps there was an idea that there was a ceiling on him. I don't see it, unfortunately for us," Joerger said according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "But he's great for them and he's great for our league."

Sacramento ended the Mavericks' 11-game winning streak at home with a 120-113 victory. Doncic dropped 28 points on 15 shots in 35 minutes of action for Dallas, adding six rebounds, nine assists, and five turnovers.

Marvin Bagley, who was selected second overall by the Kings and one pick ahead of Doncic, was sidelined with a left knee bruise.

Joerger has reportedly been under fire from the Kings front office this season as a result of his minutes distribution with Bagley, who ranks 10th among rookies in playing time with 23.1 minutes across 26 appearances. Kings general manager Vlade Divac denied the report late last month, though, saying Joerger has the full support and confidence of management.

The Kings are 16-13 and in a three-way tie with the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers after beating Dallas. They were 9-20 through 29 games in 2017-18.