Luka Dončić Discussion - Year 2

[Shy Gorgeous-Al]

Feels like we will become the face of the NBA in due time.

[tria]

Slovenian women will be looking to become mail order brides maybe you lonely guys can find one. LOL

Slovenia is not really in poorer eastern europe situation, where you could think of such thing happening. Think of it as poorer germany, not richer russia, as actually it is much closer to germany both historically and culturaly.

Almost like a mix of Austria and Serbia.

Actually yeah, that would be the best way to describe it. Also trow in some little mix of italian.

Also not russian, we do not understand russian, and we never were under russia or soviet union for that matter, so no iron curtain stories

[HMFFL]

Seems like a perfect fit for all parties involved. I just hope he becomes a superstar.

Sent from my SM-N920P using RealGM mobile app

[k-lynch201]

Stoked on Luka.

I think DeAndre Jordan would be such a sick fit down low with DSJ and Luka running things... I know it may not even be possible since he has to opt out first, and todays game the big men shoot the 3..but it sounds so good.

Regardless things are looking up, stoked!

[Mr B]

Stoked on Luka.

I think DeAndre Jordan would be such a sick fit down low with DSJ and Luka running things... I know it may not even be possible since he has to opt out first, and todays game the big men shoot the 3..but it sounds so good.

Regardless things are looking up, stoked!

If the Mavs are going to try to obtain DJ I actually would prefer that he opt in to the final year of his contract and then the Mavs trade for him. That way they won’t have to commit to DJ long term. Then if worst case scenario happens and he doesn’t fit here for some reason they would have a $25 mil expiring contract to use as a trade asset at the trade deadline. Or they could just let him walk and keep the cap space. If they use Wes and Powell as part of the trade they should have enough left to find a PF in free agency and enough to resign Mejri to backup DJ.

[k-lynch201]

Stoked on Luka.

I think DeAndre Jordan would be such a sick fit down low with DSJ and Luka running things... I know it may not even be possible since he has to opt out first, and todays game the big men shoot the 3..but it sounds so good.

Regardless things are looking up, stoked!

If the Mavs are going to try to obtain DJ I actually would prefer that he opt in to the final year of his contract and then the Mavs trade for him. That way they won’t have to commit to DJ long term. Then if worst case scenario happens and he doesn’t fit here for some reason they would have a $25 mil expiring contract to use as a trade asset at the trade deadline. Or they could just let him walk and keep the cap space. If they use Wes and Powell as part of the trade they should have enough left to find a PF in free agency and enough to resign Mejri to backup DJ.

Certainly a good way to go about it, I read somewhere his agent is friendly with the Mavs..so may try angle him to opt out and get him a longer deal with us... which is concerning. Seems like a trade for Gortat or Vucevic is becoming popular too, both expiring.

[Darren]

Words are Luka may start at 4. Are we ready to sit Dirk for the first time of his career? Are we keeping Matthews in starting five?

[The Sparest]

Seems like a trade for Gortat or Vucevic is becoming popular too, both expiring.

My preference would be a trade for Vuc. People criticize him for not being a good defender, but he is a solid rebounder and good shooter.
We aren't going to be a serious threat for the PO's, but Vuc's shooting can help open things up for DSJ and Doncic. That would be helpful for their growth and confidence. He only has one year left, so it won't hurt our cap for next off season. And if he works out well here, we have an edge in resigning him.

[BoardCrusher]

Watch on YouTube

[Mr B]

Stoked on Luka.

I think DeAndre Jordan would be such a sick fit down low with DSJ and Luka running things... I know it may not even be possible since he has to opt out first, and todays game the big men shoot the 3..but it sounds so good.

Regardless things are looking up, stoked!

If the Mavs are going to try to obtain DJ I actually would prefer that he opt in to the final year of his contract and then the Mavs trade for him. That way they won’t have to commit to DJ long term. Then if worst case scenario happens and he doesn’t fit here for some reason they would have a $25 mil expiring contract to use as a trade asset at the trade deadline. Or they could just let him walk and keep the cap space. If they use Wes and Powell as part of the trade they should have enough left to find a PF in free agency and enough to resign Mejri to backup DJ.

Certainly a good way to go about it, I read somewhere his agent is friendly with the Mavs..so may try angle him to opt out and get him a longer deal with us... which is concerning. Seems like a trade for Gortat or Vucevic is becoming popular too, both expiring.

Looking at Vucevic’s contract and age he really might be the best option to trade for.

[Mr B]

Words are Luka may start at 4. Are we ready to sit Dirk for the first time of his career? Are we keeping Matthews in starting five?

I don’t think they plan to start him at the 4. He will play some spot minutes at the 4 though when they go small and might even play some 5 when they go real small. They will get killed on the boards though if he has to play heavy minutes at either position though. Within the next 2-3 years I would expect that he will settle in to the 3 spot. Something will have to be done about Barnes though.

[DanishLakerFan]

Laker fan here - and i come in peace.

Congrats on getting Doncic - the best player in the draft. You're gonna love that guy. I cant say i'm surprised that Dallas - a smart team - managed to lure the Hawks - a dumb team - into trading Doncic. Crazy.

Doncic can essentially be played at position 1 through 4 and i think him and DSJr actually complement each other really well. It will be interesting to see who you get in free agency. I kinda think an early lucrative offer for Clint Capela would be a good way to go.

[burek3]

Man, Luka and this Deluxe Ski Jump guy will rock it out in the league!

(Don't get triggered, just poking a little fun at the initials, the guy is a beast)

[Luka Dontreach]

Mavs are so lucky.

They completely stole value from the Hawks and they gave a pick that might not even be in the lottery next year iun a shallow draft.

So excited.

[daspenguin]

You can expect sharp increase in number of Slovenian posters on this board.
I personaly am excited he landed in Dallas. Only downside is Western conference. East sometimes has games at 9 to 11pm in Slovenia (sundays), western are all later at night

Or pretty much half the Europeans who follow basketball. I'm from Finland so I mostly check out the Bulls board, but now that Dallas got Doncic I'll be here as well.

People are putting too much on the "well he doesn't look like an athlete". Well, neither did Dirk, or Petrovic, or even Chris Mullin. I think first and foremost teams should draft for talent and try to find the most skilled player in the draft. Dallas definitely did that. Doncic is great in the pick and roll, he sees the floor extremely well and will improve defensively over time. People are talking like he's the new IT on defense. Doncic is smart and wants to play D. As his body matures he will get even better at that end.

And while other drafted players talk about their dream being making it to the second contract, all Luka wants to do is win. I don't think he cares about money at all. He plays hard and with passion, and those are rare things in the NBA these days. But still he's only 19 years old. Don't except Magic Johnson type numbers. But in 3-4 years if he stays healthy, the sky's the limit.

[BlueSan]

A few words on Doncic.

Something he needs to work on a lot:

1) Handles
First and most important I believe for him is to work on his handles. He has ok handles for such a "big" guy but it is vital for him to improve. Most of the people saying he is unathletic it is actually because of his transitions from high to low handles and vica versa. IF he improves that, he will be able to attack the rim more, instantly look more athletic, will result in less TOs and help his confidence and freedom even more. Good example of good improvement in handles is Harden that Doncic is compared to a lot. Harden was also not the most athletic guy but when he improved his handles he immediately became "more athletic" like

2) Body / Shape
Its his body, stamina, shape, strength, athleticism. Again here, if he works on his body which I am sure he will cause NBA conditioning is just so much better, he will immediately get a bit faster, he will also be able to react better to switches and especially screen where right now is one of his if not the weakest point, where he will "often" be left hanging on screens, in other words he will immediately be able to control his body more and because he also has a good frame to work with strength wise he will become extra shaped in that area. His footwork should improve as a result a bit also and to mention one more area where he is good as it is but will improve further is rebounding.
So all and all I think Dallas has plenty to look forward to just by conditioning Doncic

3) Shooting
Work on it, work on it, work on it. You have I believe a great base to start with. A good form on a shot, a nice pallete of options on his shots, an 80% free throw shooter and a 6-7, 6-8 guy. Thats a good starting platform but its not a great one. Get his free throws to 85% that should be a plan one because free throw % is the best % which shows true capabiliies as a shooter, second, cause he can force a lot of fauls and get on the spot. If his free throws are 85% or even more that will help Dallas a lot. Make sure there are plays for open threes and what not so he doesnt force so many step back 3pts etc. With his handling improved even that move will gain a bit. But in general do not allow him to waste so much energy and force so many shots before he improves this, when he does things will immediately get better. I expect him to have a minimum of 35% 3pts in his first season, anything less means this was not exectued well and only at 38% on a quite decent volume you can call it a success. I expect him to be a 38%+ 3pt shooter, you should as well

4) Defense
When you work on his body this will improve by a nice margain on its own, because he is a good team defender and has a great basketball iq and good size and often adventages over his match ups with all of that combined there is no reason he shouldnt be a decent defender with just that. But if you work a bit on this and you dont make him your iso player for the entire game he has a potential imo to be a good defender. Work on his footwork the most, watch out for his closing outs - take away the unwanted hopping into position, small steps is the way you want to go, he knows it but has the hopping blunders. Make sure he really uses that body of his to his adventage and be aware of screens more, he has the ability to do it well, cause generally he has a good overlook of the court, just in defense he sometimes gets lost on watching his guy to much forgetting the surrounding, no reason he should, every reason he should have a great controll/overview of it.

5) Lastly work on plays and offense Carlisie has a huge book use it... Teach him how to go for the bucket more when he has defender on his hips...it will come naturally if he works on his handles where most of his offensive problems lie... work on the 1-2 motion, he doesnt use it enough and well enough...
And a lot more


But for now that is all I ll write I ll write maybe some more at a later point.

[Goon]

Been made official today that Luka won't be playing for the Slovenian national team in the two qualifying games for the world cup that are coming this week. Smart and correct decision after an incredibly long season he had. Hope he also indeed misses the summer league as was said already, first and foremost he needs to rest his body and then begin with proper preparations first, summer league comes too soon for that.

The thing I'm most looking forward to is how his body will be worked on. A lot of work to be done here and I beleive he's not nearly as bad an athlete as some say. Once Dallas trainers get their hands on him, trim down some of that baby fat, get him in proper shape, work on his explosiveness and working those angles, I think he'll surprise a lot of people.

[BlueSan]

I agree it is smart. Slovenia should be able to handle it without him if not its a bit of a fail anyway, plus he now need to rest his body + adapt to totally new envirnoment and prepare for first NBA season, getting to know Dallas staff, teammates etc

[Mr B]

A few words on Doncic.

Something he needs to work on a lot:

1) Handles
First and most important I believe for him is to work on his handles. He has ok handles for such a "big" guy but it is vital for him to improve. Most of the people saying he is unathletic it is actually because of his transitions from high to low handles and vica versa. IF he improves that, he will be able to attack the rim more, instantly look more athletic, will result in less TOs and help his confidence and freedom even more. Good example of good improvement in handles is Harden that Doncic is compared to a lot. Harden was also not the most athletic guy but when he improved his handles he immediately became "more athletic" like

2) Body / Shape
Its his body, stamina, shape, strength, athleticism. Again here, if he works on his body which I am sure he will cause NBA conditioning is just so much better, he will immediately get a bit faster, he will also be able to react better to switches and especially screen where right now is one of his if not the weakest point, where he will "often" be left hanging on screens, in other words he will immediately be able to control his body more and because he also has a good frame to work with strength wise he will become extra shaped in that area. His footwork should improve as a result a bit also and to mention one more area where he is good as it is but will improve further is rebounding.
So all and all I think Dallas has plenty to look forward to just by conditioning Doncic

3) Shooting
Work on it, work on it, work on it. You have I believe a great base to start with. A good form on a shot, a nice pallete of options on his shots, an 80% free throw shooter and a 6-7, 6-8 guy. Thats a good starting platform but its not a great one. Get his free throws to 85% that should be a plan one because free throw % is the best % which shows true capabiliies as a shooter, second, cause he can force a lot of fauls and get on the spot. If his free throws are 85% or even more that will help Dallas a lot. Make sure there are plays for open threes and what not so he doesnt force so many step back 3pts etc. With his handling improved even that move will gain a bit. But in general do not allow him to waste so much energy and force so many shots before he improves this, when he does things will immediately get better. I expect him to have a minimum of 35% 3pts in his first season, anything less means this was not exectued well and only at 38% on a quite decent volume you can call it a success. I expect him to be a 38%+ 3pt shooter, you should as well

4) Defense
When you work on his body this will improve by a nice margain on its own, because he is a good team defender and has a great basketball iq and good size and often adventages over his match ups with all of that combined there is no reason he shouldnt be a decent defender with just that. But if you work a bit on this and you dont make him your iso player for the entire game he has a potential imo to be a good defender. Work on his footwork the most, watch out for his closing outs - take away the unwanted hopping into position, small steps is the way you want to go, he knows it but has the hopping blunders. Make sure he really uses that body of his to his adventage and be aware of screens more, he has the ability to do it well, cause generally he has a good overlook of the court, just in defense he sometimes gets lost on watching his guy to much forgetting the surrounding, no reason he should, every reason he should have a great controll/overview of it.

5) Lastly work on plays and offense Carlisie has a huge book use it... Teach him how to go for the bucket more when he has defender on his hips...it will come naturally if he works on his handles where most of his offensive problems lie... work on the 1-2 motion, he doesnt use it enough and well enough...
And a lot more


But for now that is all I ll write I ll write maybe some more at a later point.

I agree those are all things Luka needs to work on. All are very attainable too in Dallas. Dallas has an excellent coach in their staff that is going to help him with his handle (Shamgod). He’s been working with Dennis this off season on the same thing.

Now that he’s in an NBA Wright program and nutrition program his body will be completely transformed within 1-2 years.

Shooting also won’t be a problem with Dirk and Holger on the team. Doncic is probably already shooting 1,000 jump shots a day.

And I don’t ever expect Doncic to be a lock down defender but as his body improves his quickness should also improve. Also working with Carlisle and the Mavs defensive staff his will definitely improve in that area.

[arkuo]

And I don’t ever expect Doncic to be a lock down defender but as his body improves his quickness should also improve. Also working with Carlisle and the Mavs defensive staff his will definitely improve in that area.

You know, i think the lack of defense part is a bit overblown. Ive been watching him and i do think he's a pretty solid team defender. He's no lock down like Ron Artest. But from what i see is he's very opportunistic. Unlike Bamba who fails to run down the floor to chase his man, I think Luka has good timing with help defense.

In comparison, guys like kobe werent lock down defenders either. But they were very opportunistic too when it came to blocking shots from the weak side for example. Of course that's just me, I guess.

To add to your point, James Harden is 220 lbs. I think if Luka can trim down 10 to 15 lbs he'll be ok. Harden isnt blasting defenders off his speed exactly. He'll be ok with NBA training.