**Official Luka Doncic Thread**

[colbycolbycolby]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

This is not the NBA of the early 2000s. One guy can’t get a team to the Finals anymore. Giannis didn’t do it all himself, but he had a damn fine playoffs.

Look at the last 20 years of NBA champions and find me one team that didn’t have an elite depth chart. Mavs don’t have #@#@#@#@ for depth right now.

Man, IDK about that. If Khris Middleton is your number 2 and jrue Holliday is number 3. One of the greatest singular Finals performances ever.

[boxbuster7]

Originally Posted by CanadianKid

Fear, never fails.

I wouldn't even say it is Lukas fault. His supporting cast has sucked his entire career.

And if a player is going to command the prices his cards were fetching, you have to win in the playoffs or win MVPs to keep them up. Regular season stats can only go so far for somebodies legacy (IE westbrook)

[CanadianKid]

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

I wouldn't even say it is Lukas fault. His supporting cast has sucked his entire career.

And if a player is going to command the prices his cards were fetching, you have to win in the playoffs or win MVPs to keep them up. Regular season stats can only go so far for somebodies legacy (IE westbrook)

All true, agreed.

btw I was referring to the fear of Luka holders selling the latest headlines, this dude gets in better shape and he's a near triple double most nights. It just takes a small ball to start rolling and the fear just keeps pushing it down. But ya all above true, he needs support.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by cardozo

Curious if you would have said the same if the prices remained the same or went up .

I’ve always felt this way. Just didn’t want to poo poo on everyone’s Chronicles blue parade.

Originally Posted by colbycolbycolby

Man, IDK about that. If Khris Middleton is your number 2 and jrue Holliday is number 3. One of the greatest singular Finals performances ever.

Holiday shot terribly the whole playoffs. But put up 16/6/9 with 2.2 steals in the Finals. Middleton did 24/6/5. Amazing Finals for Giannis, but it’s laughable to say he did it all himself.

[Kobefan]

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

I wouldn't even say it is Lukas fault. His supporting cast has sucked his entire career.

And if a player is going to command the prices his cards were fetching, you have to win in the playoffs or win MVPs to keep them up. Regular season stats can only go so far for somebodies legacy (IE westbrook)

Lets not get carried away, Brunson is a solid player and Porzingis is overpriced and inconsistent, but mostly solid, so they don't all suck. I don't understand why Mavs had to give such a big contract to Hardaway Jr. and why they traded away Seth, they would have been a much better team if they didn't do that, so it's mostly the GM's fault.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by Kobefan

Lets not get carried away, Brunson is a solid player and Porzingis is overpriced and inconsistent, but mostly solid, so they don't all suck. I don't understand why Mavs had to give such a big contract to Hardaway Jr. and why they traded away Seth, they would have been a much better team if they didn't do that, so it's mostly the GM's fault.

THJ was market rate. It wasn’t an overpay. And they had to do it, because they needed a shooter. His shortcomings this year could have been masked by Bullocks. But somehow he’s even worse!

[ballhawkdawk]

Originally Posted by colbycolbycolby

Man, IDK about that. If Khris Middleton is your number 2 and jrue Holliday is number 3. One of the greatest singular Finals performances ever.

Giannis was incredible, but those two showed up pretty big in the finals. They’re not superstars by themselves but are excellent complementary star players.

[colbycolbycolby]

Originally Posted by ballhawkdawk

Giannis was incredible, but those two showed up pretty big in the finals. They’re not superstars by themselves but are excellent complementary star players.

Sure but in the age of super teams I have to add a curve of some sort.

[boxbuster7]

Originally Posted by Kobefan

Lets not get carried away, Brunson is a solid player and Porzingis is overpriced and inconsistent, but mostly solid, so they don't all suck. I don't understand why Mavs had to give such a big contract to Hardaway Jr. and why they traded away Seth, they would have been a much better team if they didn't do that, so it's mostly the GM's fault.

Solid doesn't win playoff games. None of those guys you mentioned are reliable in the playoffs.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

Solid doesn't win playoff games. None of those guys you mentioned are reliable in the playoffs.

Just like Luka.

This team will go where he goes. He's still young. But needs to actually get better himself. They don't look like they're even having fun out there. That's poor leadership.

They need a dynamic wing guy/x factor and then just need him to have a better attitude and get in shape.

The Zinger has been really good this season.

But the teams shooting has been woeful. Should be interesting if they can beat a tricky CHA team today without Luka. Would be big.

[jw8]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Just like Luka.



This team will go where he goes. He's still young. But needs to actually get better himself. They don't look like they're even having fun out there. That's poor leadership.



They need a dynamic wing guy/x factor and then just need him to have a better attitude and get in shape.



The Zinger has been really good this season.



But the teams shooting has been woeful. Should be interesting if they can beat a tricky CHA team today without Luka. Would be big.

They need a cp3

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Just like Luka.

This might be the dumbest take of all dumb Blowout takes.

In 13 playoff games he’s averaging 33.5/8.8/9.5 shooting 49% from the floor and 39% from three. In two elimination games he’s averaged 42/8/11.5. Yet he’s somehow not reliable to you?

[TSonn]

Anyone listen to the Bill Simmons podcast? A few weeks ago he had Haralabos Voulgaris on as a guest who worked as a Dallas Exec and they discussed a whole bunch of Luka stuff including what the "perfect" team for Luka looks like. Really great listen:

https://www.theringer.com/the-bill-s...abos-voulgaris

A few points from the pod:

• He suggests this current Mavs team is built more for the playoffs compared to previous years
• Stated that the Clippers were the worst draw for them the past 2 playoffs and the Mavs tried to avoid playing them
• Disappointed in Luka's fitness to start the season but can't really point to anything tangible that being more in shape would bring to his game. Suggested that being fit to start the season is the only thing Luka needs to work on which is a much easier fix than other stars' limitations.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by jw8

They need a cp3

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Solid point. Some veteran leadership would be valuable.

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

This might be the dumbest take of all dumb Blowout takes.

In 13 playoff games he’s averaging 33.5/8.8/9.5 shooting 49% from the floor and 39% from three. In two elimination games he’s averaged 42/8/11.5. Yet he’s somehow not reliable to you?

Coming from you that means nothing to anyone. It's like groundhog day with your whining around here. We get it. You have cards of his.

Choking a 2-0 lead coming back home and then going to water in game 7 and needing to pad stats late shows us where he is right now. A young guy that's still not ready and isn't professional enough to take care of his body.

He's still gonna be amazing. Now rinse out your wet nappy and cheer up Charlie.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Anyone listen to the Bill Simmons podcast? A few weeks ago he had Haralabos Voulgaris on as a guest who worked as a Dallas Exec and they discussed a whole bunch of Luka stuff including what the "perfect" team for Luka looks like. Really great listen:

https://www.theringer.com/the-bill-s...abos-voulgaris

A few points from the pod:

• He suggests this current Mavs team is built more for the playoffs compared to previous years
• Stated that the Clippers were the worst draw for them the past 2 playoffs and the Mavs tried to avoid playing them
• Disappointed in Luka's fitness to start the season but can't really point to anything tangible that being more in shape would bring to his game. Suggested that being fit to start the season is the only thing Luka needs to work on which is a much easier fix than other stars' limitations.

I think they'll be fine by Playoff time. But to win a series they'd need to avoid GS, PHO and a healthy Lakers team. Anyone else and they probably get a win.

Their lack of flexibility to make moves is gonna be hard to get better. Some on here just constantly whine, cough, cough, but are pretty clueless and just make excuses.

At least there's no Kawhi to destroy their dreams this season.

[tjforce]

Luka obviously motivating the Mavericks from the bench to get it done tonight.

He does it all!

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by tjforce

Luka obviously motivating the Mavericks from the bench to get it done tonight.

He does it all!

Now that's a solid joke. Well played Sir..

They certainly didn't win the last 2 games because of the trash players that's fo sho..

[tjforce]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Now that's a solid joke. Well played Sir..

They certainly didn't win the last 2 games because of the trash players that's fo sho..

I can't expect to make everyone chuckle with every joke. Some people are going to get hurt sometimes. But if I can get a few people to laugh every now and again, then I did solid work


If I'm the Dave Chappelle of Blowout, then so be it.

[sbradley440214]

I'm the biggest Luka fan there is, but the last two wins are a glaring view of how important team defense is, and how terrible Luka is at defense. He's slow, lazy and his effort shows. If his offense isn't falling or he's not getting calls, his emotions control his defense and his offense. It's really not good. He's young and talented, but now low stamina and high emotions.

The team also responds well to a team defensive effort. It's infections. Porzingis looking like Mutombo, DFS and Green everywhere on the court. Lots of hustle and effort. With Luka on the court, lots of stagnancy and players watching Luka play one-on-one.

The inside-out with Porzingis has been beautiful, and he's shown it really motivates him on both ends to be the focal point on offense.

Again, Luka is incredible - but just as much as he is the hero when the team wins, he's responsible when they lose. I called out the role players for missing shots and held them accountable, but without a game-flow it's tough for that rhythm to develop instead of watching Luka dribble around for 22 seconds. Also, the defensive efforts led to easy buckets which helps all players become motivated.

Luka needs to take his conditioning seriously, as well as his emotions and defensive effort. That is what has shot this team in the foot.

[bkcardcollector]

Originally Posted by sbradley440214

I'm the biggest Luka fan there is, but the last two wins are a glaring view of how important team defense is, and how terrible Luka is at defense. He's slow, lazy and his effort shows. If his offense isn't falling or he's not getting calls, his emotions control his defense and his offense. It's really not good. He's young and talented, but now low stamina and high emotions.

The team also responds well to a team defensive effort. It's infections. Porzingis looking like Mutombo, DFS and Green everywhere on the court. Lots of hustle and effort. With Luka on the court, lots of stagnancy and players watching Luka play one-on-one.

The inside-out with Porzingis has been beautiful, and he's shown it really motivates him on both ends to be the focal point on offense.

Again, Luka is incredible - but just as much as he is the hero when the team wins, he's responsible when they lose. I called out the role players for missing shots and held them accountable, but without a game-flow it's tough for that rhythm to develop instead of watching Luka dribble around for 22 seconds. Also, the defensive efforts led to easy buckets which helps all players become motivated.

Luka needs to take his conditioning seriously, as well as his emotions and defensive effort. That is what has shot this team in the foot.

great post and breakdown. Similar to the grizz right now without ja. great to see these defense surges!

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by sbradley440214

I'm the biggest Luka fan there is, but the last two wins are a glaring view of how important team defense is, and how terrible Luka is at defense. He's slow, lazy and his effort shows. If his offense isn't falling or he's not getting calls, his emotions control his defense and his offense. It's really not good. He's young and talented, but now low stamina and high emotions.

The team also responds well to a team defensive effort. It's infections. Porzingis looking like Mutombo, DFS and Green everywhere on the court. Lots of hustle and effort. With Luka on the court, lots of stagnancy and players watching Luka play one-on-one.

The inside-out with Porzingis has been beautiful, and he's shown it really motivates him on both ends to be the focal point on offense.

Again, Luka is incredible - but just as much as he is the hero when the team wins, he's responsible when they lose. I called out the role players for missing shots and held them accountable, but without a game-flow it's tough for that rhythm to develop instead of watching Luka dribble around for 22 seconds. Also, the defensive efforts led to easy buckets which helps all players become motivated.

Luka needs to take his conditioning seriously, as well as his emotions and defensive effort. That is what has shot this team in the foot.

While this all might be true, it's important to peak at the previous stretch when Luka was out against good competition (PHO, LAC, MEM): 0-4.

This current 2-0 streak without Luka has been against OKC and CHA (sans Melo).

This team without Luka can beat the worst teams most nights but they don't stand a chance without Luka against the best teams.

It is nice to see KP raise his trade value, though. Maybe this 2 game stretch will motivate some teams to make a play for him.

[rustywest]

Originally Posted by sbradley440214

I'm the biggest Luka fan there is, but the last two wins are a glaring view of how important team defense is, and how terrible Luka is at defense. He's slow, lazy and his effort shows. If his offense isn't falling or he's not getting calls, his emotions control his defense and his offense. It's really not good. He's young and talented, but now low stamina and high emotions.

The team also responds well to a team defensive effort. It's infections. Porzingis looking like Mutombo, DFS and Green everywhere on the court. Lots of hustle and effort. With Luka on the court, lots of stagnancy and players watching Luka play one-on-one.

The inside-out with Porzingis has been beautiful, and he's shown it really motivates him on both ends to be the focal point on offense.

Again, Luka is incredible - but just as much as he is the hero when the team wins, he's responsible when they lose. I called out the role players for missing shots and held them accountable, but without a game-flow it's tough for that rhythm to develop instead of watching Luka dribble around for 22 seconds. Also, the defensive efforts led to easy buckets which helps all players become motivated.

Luka needs to take his conditioning seriously, as well as his emotions and defensive effort. That is what has shot this team in the foot.

Beat it Shawn

We don't talk ill of golden boy around here because our investments.

Nice to see a fresh poster bringing an IQ.



(38) Over/Under on season tantrums from krassdoggo.

[KhalDrogo]

Can’t see what rusty wrote. Did he mention me? I’m guessing he did. Don’t think he ever posts in this thread unless he does it to talk about me. Very uncomfortable obsession.

[sbradley440214]

Originally Posted by TSonn

While this all might be true, it's important to peak at the previous stretch when Luka was out against good competition (PHO, LAC, MEM): 0-4.

This current 2-0 streak without Luka has been against OKC and CHA (sans Melo).

This team without Luka can beat the worst teams most nights but they don't stand a chance without Luka against the best teams.

It is nice to see KP raise his trade value, though. Maybe this 2 game stretch will motivate some teams to make a play for him.

One major element to note is the roster changes. Not playing Dwight Powell, who is a defensive nightmare (in a bad way) and can't contribute offensively except on lobs - that has been HUGE. Porzingis getting touches and more defensively involved as a rim protector has surely made a difference from those 4 losses to this 2 game win streak.

I'm not saying the team doesn't need Luka to win against good teams - they do. I'm simply stating the major weakness to the team is also Luka.

[FT35]

If we’re talking about the state of the Mavs’ franchise being stuck with bad contracts and mediocracy—and virtually every other sports analyst can see it too, it’s obvious the players themselves know the situation better than any of us. You throw a general feeling of helplessness on top of a group who is already short on talent and you get what we’re seeing from them. They’ll get hot and win some games on those nights, but they know their absolute best isn’t good enough over the long haul. At least that’s the narrative on them. The question remains whether Luka or anyone else on the team is a closet leader ready to step up and change that narrative.