JJ Redick just dropped some serious praise for Luka Dončić, and it’s the kind of compliment that every fan—and every athlete in a team sport—wants to hear.

“He was phenomenal this year as a teammate, and a leader,” Redick said. “The guy had a tier 1 season relative to the rest of the league.”

That’s not just a nod to Dončić’s jaw-dropping stats—though his numbers were indeed elite. It’s a testament to the intangibles that separate a superstar from a great player. In a league where individual brilliance often gets the spotlight, hearing a veteran like Redick highlight Luka’s impact on the locker room and his growth as a leader adds a whole new layer to his MVP-caliber campaign.

For basketball fans and athletes alike, this kind of recognition reinforces what we all know: the best players don’t just score; they elevate everyone around them. Whether you’re hitting the court in a pair of performance sneakers or repping your favorite team’s jersey, it’s a reminder that true greatness is built on teamwork and leadership.

So next time you’re lacing up, think about what it means to be a “tier 1” teammate—on and off the court.