**Official Luka Doncic Thread**

[jrnelson]

anyone getting the Panini Luka Pop with Card?

https://www.paniniamerica.net/pop-tr...3MZF86,20D0T,1

[jrnelson]

NBA GMs see first MVP for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic!

Doncic was a narrow, but clear, favorite at MVP, as the Slovenian superstar collected 48% of the vote, compared to 34% for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, 14% for 76ers star Joel Embiid and a single vote for Warriors star Stephen Curry. It was Antetokounmpo, however, who finished ahead of Doncic in the category of player a GM would most want to build their team around, with Antetokounmpo getting 55% of the vote and Doncic 45%. No other player received a single vote.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...ar-luka-doncic

[KhalDrogo]

I’d bet against him winning MVP. I think he’s better positioned going into this season to win it, but the west is so brutal.

[RogerGodahell]

Originally Posted by jrnelson

It was Antetokounmpo, however, who finished ahead of Doncic in the category of player a GM would most want to build their team around, with Antetokounmpo getting 55% of the vote and Doncic 45%. No other player received a single vote.

[/url]

That's wild so it was probably like 16-14 or thereabouts. I don't know if he'll win MVP either like Khal said the West is very strong minus a couple bottom teams. He's gonna need to get Dallas to another top 4-5 finish i would think unless he puts up otherworldly stats.

I was not real happy what they did in the offseason losing Brunson for nothing. They definitely could have handled that situation better. Cuban was being cheap Brunson is a good player they should have splurged for him. Other team teams do it.

But now i'm feeling kinda optimistic. I think success this season is going to revolve around 2 guys, Wood and Green. I hope that Green makes a big jump this year. Just be a solid 3&D guy like Bullock. He's got it in him to be a very good defensive player he just needs to become a better player offensively. And hopefully things click with Wood and he plays out of his mind on a contract year.

They are still thin at a 3rd ball handler. I'm not sure what to think about Hardy yet. He's had some big games and some stinkers. The coaches say he's doing a good job though maybe he can fill that role and develop into a decent player. He's like Green was very raw and needs to slow down. But he can make buckets it's making the right play that he needs to work on. Not pushing it down the court by himself and taking a 3 pointer 1 on 4. Bad shots like that.

[RogerGodahell]

If they can get rid of Powell and Bertans that would be wonderful. Moving THJ should not be off the table either. About $50M tied up in those 3 players. Two of them aren't even going to see the floor much. Powell is 4th on the depth chart at C.

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by RogerGodahell

That's wild so it was probably like 16-14 or thereabouts. I don't know if he'll win MVP either like Khal said the West is very strong minus a couple bottom teams. He's gonna need to get Dallas to another top 4-5 finish i would think unless he puts up otherworldly stats.

I was not real happy what they did in the offseason losing Brunson for nothing. They definitely could have handled that situation better. Cuban was being cheap Brunson is a good player they should have splurged for him. Other team teams do it.

But now i'm feeling kinda optimistic. I think success this season is going to revolve around 2 guys, Wood and Green. I hope that Green makes a big jump this year. Just be a solid 3&D guy like Bullock. He's got it in him to be a very good defensive player he just needs to become a better player offensively. And hopefully things click with Wood and he plays out of his mind on a contract year.

They are still thin at a 3rd ball handler. I'm not sure what to think about Hardy yet. He's had some big games and some stinkers. The coaches say he's doing a good job though maybe he can fill that role and develop into a decent player. He's like Green was very raw and needs to slow down. But he can make buckets it's making the right play that he needs to work on. Not pushing it down the court by himself and taking a 3 pointer 1 on 4. Bad shots like that.

Was Cuban being cheap? It seemed like no matter what Dallas did Brunson was going to leave for NYK anyway.

[RogerGodahell]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Was Cuban being cheap? It seemed like no matter what Dallas did Brunson was going to leave for NYK anyway.

Maybe, but they made zero effort to retain him. They almost went out of their way by not letting anything out to the media about intentions of giving him a similar offer to what NY was. It was no secret what NY was going to be offering. Dallas new it everyone did. That's why there is a tampering investigation.

Maybe they wouldn't have been able to keep him but it seems like they didn't even try. That is my gripe. They had his full Bird rights so in the salary cap world that gave them some exceptions and an advantage to go over the cap though i don't completely understand all of them myself. I just know that if you have Bird rights to a player teams are allowed to keep that player and overpay if they so choose. And they didn't. They got nothing. At the very least they could have done a sign and trade if he was persistent on going to NY and got something in return.

[sethc1020]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Was Cuban being cheap? It seemed like no matter what Dallas did Brunson was going to leave for NYK anyway.

Im glad they let him walk. I liked Brunson a lot but isn't worth the money he got or what Dallas would have had to give him to stay. He had a good year for sure but thats just what it was 1 good year, plus a Great 1st round in the playoffs. To me that wasn't worth giving a $100+ million, contract tying down your team for 4 years and hoping he continued to play to that level each year. We already went through that with Prozingis and saw how that limited the team as far as the moves they could make. I like being in a position when there is a real move to make they have a shot a going after another star player.

[Asian62150]

Another factor in FA is the NBA's TV deal. I believe the deal ends after the 24-25 season.

Salaries are probably going to skyrocket after that. So the next few years could see some relative bargains even if they seem like overpaying at the time of signing.

[RogerGodahell]

I mean he is worth that if you start looking at the crazy money teams are throwing around at players these days. Brunson has gotten better every year he's played. I would expect he would be even better this coming year. He knew the system very well.

They have a hard time getting players to come to Dallas as it is. It hurts when lose your second best player for nothing. Not to say he'd always be their second best player but he was a very good Mav and could have been a crucial part of a very good team in the near future if they added another piece or two.

I know i would feel a lot better if they were running it back with basically the same team as last year with the addition of Wood and McGee + Hardaway back.

There are several teams that are spending whatever it takes to win going deep into luxury tax. Dallas is not one of them. That is why i say that Cuban is cheap. He hasn't shown he's willing to do that yet in comparison to them.

[Asian62150]

Did Brunson make it known his preference was to stay in Dallas if the money was the same? Or was his preference to play for his pops and godfather in NYC and he would only stay in Dallas if they beat whatever the Knicks were offering?

[RogerGodahell]

They have their money tied up in too many mediocre players and not enough top end talent. Their salary cap is too spread out among guys who don't play and effect the game sitting on the bench.

The teams going all in are taking the opposite approach. A lot of top end talent with the money concentrated in them and running a thin bench of min contracts.

I think there is a balance somewhere there in between but they need to shed some salary. Bertans and Powell they've gotta go. That's their other $30 million player right there. Or another superstar if they can get rid of THJ contract as well. Bullock is a better player at half the price of him.

[RogerGodahell]

Originally Posted by Asian62150

Did Brunson make it known his preference was to stay in Dallas if the money was the same? Or was his preference to play for his pops and godfather in NYC and he would only stay in Dallas if they beat whatever the Knicks were offering?

I don't think he said much at all officially it was just stuff leaked to the media about him wanting to go to NY. But Dallas never really tried to dissuade him either or let it be know they were going to offer him a big contract. They were basically silent about trying to match or beat any offer NY was going to throw at him.

All i heard from Dallas side was hoping they could get him for around 15-20 a year. In essence being cheap based on comparison's i've made above to other teams and owners.

[ccssports713]

Originally Posted by RogerGodahell

They have their money tied up in too many mediocre players and not enough top end talent. Their salary cap is too spread out among guys who don't play and effect the game sitting on the bench.

The teams going all in are taking the opposite approach. A lot of top end talent with the money concentrated in them and running a thin bench of min contracts.

I think there is a balance somewhere there in between but they need to shed some salary. Bertans and Powell they've gotta go. That's their other $30 million player right there. Or another superstar if they can get rid of THJ contract as well. Bullock is a better player at half the price of him.

I think that is where the Porzingis trade for Bertans and Dinwiddie trade will prove to be a genius move. Split his contract into 2 players (easier to move). Also, Dinwiddie can be a legit 2nd or 3rd option. As a Houston guy I think Wood is a better pickup than people realize. He will be at least as good as Porzingis as long as he accepts his role. I think he will mesh well with Luka. I am optimistic and think the roster going into this season is a lot better off than going into last season. I feel like they are a top 4-5 team assuming Luka is MVP level from the get go.

[Asian62150]

Originally Posted by RogerGodahell

I don't think he said much at all officially it was just stuff leaked to the media about him wanting to go to NY. But Dallas never really tried to dissuade him either or let it be know they were going to offer him a big contract. They were basically silent about trying to match or beat any offer NY was going to throw at him.

All i heard from Dallas side was hoping they could get him for around 15-20 a year. In essence being cheap based on comparison's i've made above to other teams and owners.

That's fair. Maybe Cubes was being cheap. Maybe he knew Brunson was long gone anyway. If they wanted to play the PR game, they could/should have leaked a higher amount.

Seems these days a lot of star players don't want to go to the Knicks though. Maybe Brunson decided he just wanted to take on that challenge, plus, helps that his dad and uncle Leon are there.

Brunson was good but I do think there were better options for the Mavs to spend that money. Last year felt like a lot of things broke the Mavs way. Kinda like the Hawks the year before. Hope this year's Mavs aren't last year's Hawks.

[KhalDrogo]

Brunson was never coming back to Dallas after they refused to extend him.

[RogerGodahell]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

Brunson was never coming back to Dallas after they refused to extend him.

That was the biggest mistake in the Brunson situation. They could of had him locked up for 4 more years at like 4 years 55M if i recall correctly.

[Trout Fan]

Not sure about all this talk about the West Conference being so tough.
The East has the Bucks, Celtics, Heat, and 76 er’s

[Asian62150]

Originally Posted by Trout Fan

Not sure about all this talk about the West Conference being so tough.
The East has the Bucks, Celtics, Heat, and 76 er’s

East is good but Warriors, Clippers, Nuggets, Suns, and Grizz could give any of those teams a good series, if not win it.

Wolves are improved and they made the playoffs last year.

Pels are getting Zion back.

The LeBron and AD are considered a borderline playoff team. Maybe they don't even get in again.

In terms of top 8 in each conference, I think the West is stronger.

[RogerGodahell]

Mavs first preseason game. Luka DNP, don't think he will see much action in preseason.

Wood 16 pts 13 Reb in 25 mins off the bench. Hardy led all players with 21 pts off the bench on 8-16 shooting and 4-10 from behind the arc. Way too early to be excited about Hardy but at least there is a glimmer of hope that he can get some mins in the reg season as a rookie and become their 3rd ball handler.

[Trout Fan]

Originally Posted by Asian62150

East is good but Warriors, Clippers, Nuggets, Suns, and Grizz could give any of those teams a good series, if not win it.

Wolves are improved and they made the playoffs last year.

Pels are getting Zion back.

The LeBron and AD are considered a borderline playoff team. Maybe they don't even get in again.

In terms of top 8 in each conference, I think the West is stronger.

You make a good point. Top to bottom the West might be slightly stronger. But I contend that the Bucks with a healthy Middleton are still the team to beat and the other three teams Celtics, Heat, and Sixers are strong contenders. I feel both Golden State and Phoenix drop down slightly and so maybe the Nuggets, Pels, Clippers get better. Better parity in the West but maybe not as elite as the East.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by Trout Fan

You make a good point. Top to bottom the West might be slightly stronger. But I contend that the Bucks with a healthy Middleton are still the team to beat and the other three teams Celtics, Heat, and Sixers are strong contenders. I feel both Golden State and Phoenix drop down slightly and so maybe the Nuggets, Pels, Clippers get better. Better parity in the West but maybe not as elite as the East.

Why would GS drop?

Klay healthier
Wiseman back

They look like repeat champs all day.

[NoleinJax]

Originally Posted by jrnelson

anyone getting the Panini Luka Pop with Card?

https://www.paniniamerica.net/pop-tr...3MZF86,20D0T,1

I preordered one from Target back in February along with a few other players. The order hasn't been cancelled so I'm assuming it will be filled when these finally release. How long the Luka last on Panini's site and did the product page say anything about when they would ship?

[Marshall524]

I think Brunson's absence will be replaced with TH's production coming back from injury (amongst other player contributions). I don't really have a dog in the fight either way, I just don't think Brunson is worth as much as NYK is paying. 15-20mil seemed about right. Willing to be proven wrong, however.

Kidd would probably prefer a bigger wing that is switchable for defensive purposes, even if that means a 10% decrease in offensive production from that position (depending on who fills the void).

[Asian62150]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Why would GS drop?

Klay healthier
Wiseman back

They look like repeat champs all day.

Plus the kids are probably gonna improve. They're gonna be tough.