Luka Dončić Discussion - Year 7

[tleikheen]

Luka had a taste of the NBA Finals and tonight doesn't have a good taste in his mouth ,its bitter. The silver lining in getting your butt kicked is seeing the winners celebrate and how over joyed they are.
We've never seen Luka ripped and have total focus but like the true greats I think we'll see a brighter fire emanating from Luka after this 1st Finals loss.

[HMFFL]

Luka had a taste of the NBA Finals and tonight doesn't have a good taste in his mouth ,its bitter. The silver lining in getting your butt kicked is seeing the winners celebrate and how over joyed they are.
We've never seen Luka ripped and have total focus but like the true greats I think we'll see a brighter fire emanating from Luka after this 1st Finals loss.

I concur.
However, our roster must improve, but the future is very bright. The road to the Finals is only going to get more difficult.

[wco81]

I think one possible takeaway is that you can't depend so much on one high usage player.

The Mavs overachieved. Washington and DJJ way over performed in the first 3 rounds and you had a rookie center and a journeyman center turning the team into a top 5 defense for the last 1/3 of the season and 3 rounds of the playoffs.

Luka can continue to be high-usage player and smash all the statistical records by the time he reaches 30 or by the time he retires.

But that is unlikely to be a winning formula.

Kyrie was great most of the playoffs until he faced Boston. He's looking for a big contract and while I think he can still be a top offensive players for the next 4 seasons, he may have too low a ceiling as the second best player on a title team.

Especially when he's over the age of 30 and the record of small guards who rely on quickness and bounce is not that great. Remember Isaiah Thomas? He had an MVP-level season before he got hurt. He was expecting the Brinks truck but it never happened because of injuries.

But if he hadn't gotten injured, he likely wasn't going to continue that level of play as he aged. So the same thing could apply to Kyrie. He's got great handles but an under appreciated part of his game is that he's got great bounce for his size -- I've seen him put an alley-oop dunk down with one hand.

After this successful season, Mavs may have no choice but to give Kyrie a big extension.

But ultimately, Mavs need a couple more 20 PPG scorers, preferably taller wings so that they're not so dependent on the backcourt.

That's the ideal scenario, where Luka would average more like 27-30 PPG instead of 35 PPG like this season.

Not sure how Mavs get there but that's a more sustainable path to title contention.

[41Dirk41]

Luka had a taste of the NBA Finals and tonight doesn't have a good taste in his mouth ,its bitter. The silver lining in getting your butt kicked is seeing the winners celebrate and how over joyed they are.
We've never seen Luka ripped and have total focus but like the true greats I think we'll see a brighter fire emanating from Luka after this 1st Finals loss.

I concur.
However, our roster must improve, but the future is very bright. The road to the Finals is only going to get more difficult.

It's not so easy b&b Finals... We had a great opportunity this year.
Sadly we choked and Kidd is not ready for this level.

[blueberrysticky]

So Luka looks confirmed to be playing with Slovenia in the qualifiers. Guess we knew it was going to happen.

[HMFFL]

Luka had a taste of the NBA Finals and tonight doesn't have a good taste in his mouth ,its bitter. The silver lining in getting your butt kicked is seeing the winners celebrate and how over joyed they are.
We've never seen Luka ripped and have total focus but like the true greats I think we'll see a brighter fire emanating from Luka after this 1st Finals loss.

I concur.
However, our roster must improve, but the future is very bright. The road to the Finals is only going to get more difficult.

It's not so easy b&b Finals... We had a great opportunity this year.
Sadly we choked and Kidd is not ready for this level.

I don't believe we choked at all.

Did you actually expect us to even make the NBA Finals? The 1 and 2 are set, but the frontcourt must mature, and improve. We basically added to it at the trade deadline and then you expected us to win the Finals? Is that how your thought process involved?

It took Boston several years to win. They first finally realized that needed to trade Marcus Smart who was very toxic. He kept getting in the face of Tatum in the past during the playoffs and ultimately created tension among the team.

Boston figured it out.

[Bob8]

Luka looked pretty good against Brazil and even better partying with his teammates at 2AM after the game. And don't be afraid, he was drinking Vodka not beer.

[BliscoSantos]

Luka looked pretty good against Brazil and even better partying with his teammates at 2AM after the game. And don't be afraid, he was drinking Vodka not beer.

Luka looked ok...I was at the game and he really is big...he looked bigger than new slovenia National team C Josh Nebo... He's incredibly skilled but I think losing 10kg(I think that's about 20-25 lbs) would do him good

[Bob8]

Luka looked pretty good against Brazil and even better partying with his teammates at 2AM after the game. And don't be afraid, he was drinking Vodka not beer.

Luka looked ok...I was at the game and he really is big...he looked bigger than new slovenia National team C Josh Nebo... He's incredibly skilled but I think losing 10kg(I think that's about 20-25 lbs) would do him good

I was at the game too, I doubt he will lose 10 kg ever. His body is what it is. I have to say I was a little surprised seeing the whole NT partying in Nebo early in the morning, knowing they’re playing important game on Tuesday. The only one not being too eager for partying was new C Nebo, probably not knowing anyone.

[BliscoSantos]

Luka looked pretty good against Brazil and even better partying with his teammates at 2AM after the game. And don't be afraid, he was drinking Vodka not beer.

Luka looked ok...I was at the game and he really is big...he looked bigger than new slovenia National team C Josh Nebo... He's incredibly skilled but I think losing 10kg(I think that's about 20-25 lbs) would do him good

I was at the game too, I doubt he will lose 10 kg ever. His body is what it is. I have to say I was a little surprised seeing the whole NT partying in Nebo early in the morning, knowing they’re playing important game on Tuesday. The only one not being too eager for partying was new C Nebo, probably not knowing anyone.

I mean it's probably the worst kept secret that the profesionalism in the National team has gone once Goran Dragić retired after the EuroBasket win....when they persuaded Goran to come back for one more tournament he was apparently considering leaving the National team because he was not happy with the relaxed atmosphere(partyimg,playing cards)...and I have to say I completely understand Goran...if you commit to the National team be professional,stay focused, try to complete(win)...as amazing as Luka is as an individual he's not a good leader and he doesn't really care about physical part of the game(getting in shape,conditioning) which is sad because of he put real effort in it he'd be the Best player in the world with ease....he Just doesn't seem to have that ambition,that Kobe,MJ mentality... he's good with where he is

[Bob8]

Luka looked ok...I was at the game and he really is big...he looked bigger than new slovenia National team C Josh Nebo... He's incredibly skilled but I think losing 10kg(I think that's about 20-25 lbs) would do him good

I was at the game too, I doubt he will lose 10 kg ever. His body is what it is. I have to say I was a little surprised seeing the whole NT partying in Nebo early in the morning, knowing they’re playing important game on Tuesday. The only one not being too eager for partying was new C Nebo, probably not knowing anyone.

I mean it's probably the worst kept secret that the profesionalism in the National team has gone once Goran Dragić retired after the EuroBasket win....when they persuaded Goran to come back for one more tournament he was apparently considering leaving the National team because he was not happy with the relaxed atmosphere(partyimg,playing cards)...and I have to say I completely understand Goran...if you commit to the National team be professional,stay focused, try to complete(win)...as amazing as Luka is as an individual he's not a good leader and he doesn't really care about physical part of the game(getting in shape,conditioning) which is sad because of he put real effort in it he'd be the Best player in the world with ease....he Just doesn't seem to have that ambition,that Kobe,MJ mentality... he's good with where he is

The biggest problem is KZS and consequently coaching staff. Father of the best player as director? And coaches with 0 influence. NT is basically Luka and his friends.

I guess drinking Vodka is better than drinking beer, weight wise.

[BliscoSantos]

I was at the game too, I doubt he will lose 10 kg ever. His body is what it is. I have to say I was a little surprised seeing the whole NT partying in Nebo early in the morning, knowing they’re playing important game on Tuesday. The only one not being too eager for partying was new C Nebo, probably not knowing anyone.

I mean it's probably the worst kept secret that the profesionalism in the National team has gone once Goran Dragić retired after the EuroBasket win....when they persuaded Goran to come back for one more tournament he was apparently considering leaving the National team because he was not happy with the relaxed atmosphere(partyimg,playing cards)...and I have to say I completely understand Goran...if you commit to the National team be professional,stay focused, try to complete(win)...as amazing as Luka is as an individual he's not a good leader and he doesn't really care about physical part of the game(getting in shape,conditioning) which is sad because of he put real effort in it he'd be the Best player in the world with ease....he Just doesn't seem to have that ambition,that Kobe,MJ mentality... he's good with where he is

The biggest problem is KZS and consequently coaching staff. Father of the best player as director? And coaches with 0 influence. NT is basically Luka and his friends.

I guess drinking Vodka is better than drinking beer weight wise.

Yep, KZS is letting Luka do what he wants because he's their cash cow... that's why I thought the Best thing for him this year was to skip the National team and get some rest and then work on his conditioning,loss of weight...but he's not gonna do that because he's still dominating despite not being in great shape

Btw, I found it funny and kind of embarrassing that he was arguing with the officials,that were Slovenian(in his favour) ,in a friendly match against Brazil,when they made some questionable decisions in their favour in both home games...Just shows a lack of maturity, some self entitlement

[Bob8]

I mean it's probably the worst kept secret that the profesionalism in the National team has gone once Goran Dragić retired after the EuroBasket win....when they persuaded Goran to come back for one more tournament he was apparently considering leaving the National team because he was not happy with the relaxed atmosphere(partyimg,playing cards)...and I have to say I completely understand Goran...if you commit to the National team be professional,stay focused, try to complete(win)...as amazing as Luka is as an individual he's not a good leader and he doesn't really care about physical part of the game(getting in shape,conditioning) which is sad because of he put real effort in it he'd be the Best player in the world with ease....he Just doesn't seem to have that ambition,that Kobe,MJ mentality... he's good with where he is

The biggest problem is KZS and consequently coaching staff. Father of the best player as director? And coaches with 0 influence. NT is basically Luka and his friends.

I guess drinking Vodka is better than drinking beer weight wise.

Yep, KZS is letting Luka do what he wants because he's their cash cow... that's why I thought the Best thing for him this year was to skip the National team and get some rest and then work on his conditioning,loss of weight...but he's not gonna do that because he's still dominating despite not being in great shape

Btw, I found it funny and kind of embarrassing that he was arguing with the officials,that were Slovenian(in his favour) ,in a friendly match against Brazil,when they made some questionable decisions in their favour in both home games...Just shows a lack of maturity, some self entitlement

Slovenia has realistically slim chances to win in Athens, so he will be home soon. Other question is, if he will be prepared better for Nba not playing for NT? I'm not sure about it. He will for sure come in Nba more rested and will probably need a month or more to be in good condition, which might not be the worst case scenario for Mavs, they should be able to win more games without him doing everything this year and bring him fresher in playoffs.

[Mavrelous]

Sweeney on the sidelines in SLO-CRO game, Slovenia look like they partied late last night...

[Mavrelous]

Croatia is massive, Zubac, Saric and Hezonja, Slovenia look like small children, Luka can't hit the oceqn from a boat.

[41Dirk41]

Sweeney on the sidelines in SLO-CRO game, Slovenia look like they partied late last night...

Same old Luka story when he plays for the NT... I can immagine because he doesn't want to miss any tournament

[Bob8]

Sweeney on the sidelines in SLO-CRO game, Slovenia look like they partied late last night...

Slovenia has the worst roster in last 7 years. Cancar and Muric, who should be very important didn't play for a year. Luka looking like in vacation already, he might be there soon. But in this format this game doesn't mean much.

[Mavrelous]

Sweeney on the sidelines in SLO-CRO game, Slovenia look like they partied late last night...

Slovenia has the worst roster in last 7 years. Cancar and Muric, who should be very important didn't play for a year. Luka looking like in vacation already, he might be there soon. But in this format this game doesn't mean much.

Cancar is way behind on recovery.
Luka 3-14, SLO 0-13 from 3
Massacre...

[Bob8]

Sweeney on the sidelines in SLO-CRO game, Slovenia look like they partied late last night...

Slovenia has the worst roster in last 7 years. Cancar and Muric, who should be very important didn't play for a year. Luka looking like in vacation already, he might be there soon. But in this format this game doesn't mean much.

Cancar is way behind on recovery.
Luka 3-14, SLO 0-13 from 3
Massacre...

Difference is considering everything pretty small. But the way Slovenia plays is embarrassing, on both sides.

Cancar and Muric shouldn't play, but there's nobody else.

Coaching staff is a joke.

Btw. Muric had offer for 2-way contract from Mavs few years back.

[Archx]

This is the most pathetic Slovenian team i've seen in a long time. That goes for coach aswell.