All Things Luka Doncic

[Derento]

Did Doncic change his shot it looks a lot more smooth now?
He also changed his stance.

[burek3]

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[SportsGuy8]

Luka had a rather unimpressive game yesterday (for his standards, obv.), despite his 20 points. He's had much better games in the past when he scored in single digits, he just shot well this time.

Just goes to show how beneficial his versatility is. Give him enough minutes and opportunities and he's going to contribute, one way or another.

[UcanUwill]

That shot is money, dude is about to be elite 3 point shooter. He is shutting down all these people who said he is not a scorer. Doncic looks like he carried Slovenia once again, Real Madrid is really not the best place to showcase your integral skills when you are 17-18 year old, that team is basically NBA caliber with tons of high caliber vets. Nonetheless his season there was successful, and he came into Slovenia camp as one of the most accomplished players already, and he is not looking back, guy proving he is the biggest star on that team. Wouldn't be shocked if he ends up as Slovenia's leading scorer and leading rebounder.

Really liking those Slovenian uniforms.

[Bob8]

The whole team was very unimpressive. The best was Cancar and he got injured. Most of all Slovenia will need different Dragic if they want to do something. He looked very ordinary for his standards, I hope only because he's only 1 week with the team. But I'm afraid Slovenia plays to slow for him and that won't change with that roster. Doncic as a rookie is playing better than I expected he would. In the first Q he more or less didn't even try anything, leaving keys in hands of Dragic. I guess the right thing to do, hierarchy must be respected. But he's shooting really well, not only this game. 20 point with 4 missed Fts, is a great score for the game like this.

[Bob8]

That shot is money, dude is about to be elite 3 point shooter. He is shutting down all these people who said he is not a scorer. Doncic looks like he carried Slovenia once again, Real Madrid is really not the best place to showcase your integral skills when you are 17-18 year old, that team is basically NBA caliber with tons of high caliber vets. Nonetheless his season there was successful, and he came into Slovenia camp as one of the most accomplished players already, and he is not looking back, guy proving he is the biggest star on that team. Wouldn't be shocked if he ends up as Slovenia's leading scorer and leading rebounder.

Really liking those Slovenian uniforms.

That's exactly what I want to tell you all year long. Playing with 17 years like he has in Madrid is out of this world. There's no easy games in Euroleague and Acb, every game counts. Roster is full of stars, for european standards anyway, but he somehow managed to be one of the most important players of the team, being 4 times Mvp of the round in Euroleague. His form went down in the end of the season. But after more than 80 games played, it really couldn't be different, he's only a kid after all. And like I said many times, just look how old others in Euroleague is, Doncic 18, Zizic 20, Guduric 22, Cedi Osman 22 and that's more or less it about young players with some impact in Euroleague.

[SportsGuy8]

You're both right about Doncic and Real Madrid, but we shouldn't get carried away, it's only been a couple of games. When Eurobasket starts and games get real Dragic is surely going to pick it up and become a lot more aggressive. Then there's Randolph who's also going to have a high usage rate, hopefully he doesn't shoot too many long 2s (something he's prone to do). All-in-all, I sincerely doubt there's much chance for Doncic ending up the main scorer on this team, or even close to it. Maybe he can end up being the top rebounder, even ahead of Randolph.

I really don't think Kokoskov is the right coach, though. It seems like he wants to play more of an NBA style of play, but this team doesn't have enough athletes for that, especially under the basket. Based on these first 3 games I envision them struggling heavily vs. the best teams, the best defenses, there's just not enough movement. Movement is absolutely crucial in FIBA, much more so than in the NBA. If it doesn't improve, they're going to struggle ...

[Mirotic12]

These are friendly games. Sure, it's nice if he has good games here, but these games are totally meaningless. The only national team on the planet that cares about them is USA, because they want to show off a great win loss record and say they always win.

Every other team, goes 50% in friendly games. Actually, I've always noticed that over the years, the younger players do much better in friendly games, because the younger they are, the more excited they are, and the harder they tend to play. While the other guys play at 50%, as they are supposed to per coach orders.

It's nice that he plays well, versus say plays bad. But these are friendly games, and to draw any conclusions at all, of any kind, whatsoever from them, it total folly.

If we are going to judge him on NT play, then it is totally erroneous to do so until EuroBasket starts. These friendly games are just so totally useless and meaningless.

You're both right about Doncic and Real Madrid, but we shouldn't get carried away, it's only been a couple of games. When Eurobasket starts and games get real Dragic is surely going to pick it up and become a lot more aggressive. Then there's Randolph who's also going to have a high usage rate, hopefully he doesn't shoot too many long 2s (something he's prone to do). All-in-all, I sincerely doubt there's much chance for Doncic ending up the main scorer on this team, or even close to it. Maybe he can end up being the top rebounder, even ahead of Randolph.

I really don't think Kokoskov is the right coach, though. It seems like he wants to play more of an NBA style of play, but this team doesn't have enough athletes for that, especially under the basket. Based on these first 3 games I envision them struggling heavily vs. the best teams, the best defenses, there's just not enough movement. Movement is absolutely crucial in FIBA, much more so than in the NBA. If it doesn't improve, they're going to struggle ...

Just look at what coach Katsikaris did to Greece NT in EuroBasket 2015 for a good comparison of what happens when a foolish coach does that.

Greece had by far the best team it ever had, and was easily better in talent than any team of the tournament (Spain's roster looked awful by comparison)...........but the "genius" Katsikaris decided he wanted "NBA style" since he had Koufos, Calathes, and Giannis........

Result was turnover after turnover on fast breaks, tons of bricks in half court, players that can't score in half court against a set defense trying to go 1 against 5, and almost zero ball movement other than when Spanoulis was on the floor, but then when he was on the floor, zero floor spacing with no shooters around him.

Simply put, you can't take 8-9 guys that play motion offense their whole lives, then say, well I got some 2-3 NBA "athletes" so let's play like NBA does. Some of these younger European coaches really don't get European basketball, which is a shame.

Katsikaris wrecked the best Greek team ever, simply because of his stupid "let's play like the Milwaukee Bucks" nonsense.

[The-Power]

While the other guys play at 50%, as they are supposed to per coach orders.

I'm sure you have sufficient evidence – facts – of coaches actually instructing players to only play at 50%!?

[Bob8]

You're both right about Doncic and Real Madrid, but we shouldn't get carried away, it's only been a couple of games. When Eurobasket starts and games get real Dragic is surely going to pick it up and become a lot more aggressive. Then there's Randolph who's also going to have a high usage rate, hopefully he doesn't shoot too many long 2s (something he's prone to do). All-in-all, I sincerely doubt there's much chance for Doncic ending up the main scorer on this team, or even close to it. Maybe he can end up being the top rebounder, even ahead of Randolph.

I really don't think Kokoskov is the right coach, though. It seems like he wants to play more of an NBA style of play, but this team doesn't have enough athletes for that, especially under the basket. Based on these first 3 games I envision them struggling heavily vs. the best teams, the best defenses, there's just not enough movement. Movement is absolutely crucial in FIBA, much more so than in the NBA. If it doesn't improve, they're going to struggle ...

Just look at what coach Katsikaris did to Greece NT in EuroBasket 2015 for a good comparison of what happens when a foolish coach does that.

Greece had by far the best team it ever had, and was easily better in talent than any team of the tournament (Spain's roster looked awful by comparison)...........but the "genius" Katsikaris decided he wanted "NBA style" since he had Koufos, Calathes, and Giannis........

Result was turnover after turnover on fast breaks, tons of bricks in half court, players that can't score in half court against a set defense trying to go 1 against 5, and almost zero ball movement other than when Spanoulis was on the floor, but then when he was on the floor, zero floor spacing with no shooters around him.

Simply put, you can't take 8-9 guys that play motion offense their whole lives, then say, well I got some 2-3 NBA "athletes" so let's play like NBA does. Some of these younger European coaches really don't get European basketball, which is a shame.

Katsikaris wrecked the best Greek team ever, simply because of his stupid "let's play like the Milwaukee Bucks" nonsense.

What are you talking about? Kokoskov plays more or less half-court offense. And if you watched first games, Slovenia is playing too slow and not to fast. And with that roster, they won't do anything playing slow. They don't have enough defensive talent and Dragic and Randolph are not really the best half-court offense players, the same goes for Blazic and we all know how little depth has that team.

[XTraderXL]

Yeah, max what Slovenia can do is quarterfinal but I wouldnt be surprised if they were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. They have no depth, there are 3 good players and the rest are average/below average. Dragic said today that this is definitely his last year with the NT and he has no more motivation to play for Slovenia so I wonder how this will affect his play. Randolph is basically paying off his due to Slovenian Basketball Federation for getting him SLO citizenship so he will not be playing at a 100%. With that said, I think Doncic could easily have a very good tournament and be the best scorer/rebounder of the team. He will be more motivated than the other two, Goran will try to get him involved as much as possible and Kokoskov seems to give Doncic a lot of freedom and 25+ min per game. For me this Slovenia team is only interesting because of Doncic to see how he plays against France and Greece in the group stage. The team will not do well in the tournament at all, I think Kokoskov is the wrong guy for the job and the team has no depth so they will not be competing for the top spots.

[Bob8]

Yeah, max what Slovenia can do is quarterfinal but I wouldnt be surprised if they were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. They have no depth, there are 3 good players and the rest are average/below average. Dragic said today that this is definitely his last year with the NT and he has no more motivation to play for Slovenia so I wonder how this will affect his play. Randolph is basically paying off his due to Slovenian Basketball Federation for getting him SLO citizenship so he will not be playing at a 100%. With that said, I think Doncic could easily have a very good tournament and be the best scorer/rebounder of the team. He will be more motivated than the other two, Goran will try to get him involved as much as possible and Kokoskov seems to give Doncic a lot of freedom and 25+ min per game. For me this Slovenia team is only interesting because of Doncic to see how he plays against France and Greece in the group stage. The team will not do well in the tournament at all, I think Kokoskov is the wrong guy for the job and the team has no depth so they will not be competing for the top spots.

Dragic will play 100%, he doesn't know how to play different. I even think Randolph will play decent. The problem are others. Maybe the most important player will be Vidmar.

Coach should give the keys to Dragic and give freedom to Dragic-Doncic-Randolph trio.

[SportsGuy8]

I'm also mainly interested in Doncic, mostly because I just don't think this team can be as competitive as most people seem to think.

Coach IS going to give the keys to Dragic, but that's not really a recipe for success in Europe, that's the problem. Yes, he's really good and is going to play hard when it matters, score lots of points and make passes, but he's not the type of player that can truly take over FIBA games, ala Dirk. Smarter teams are going to severely limit his slashing abilities, something that's much easier to do for defensive teams in FIBA because of the rules, and when that happens, this team is going to struggle heavily.

As for Randolph, we'll see how hard he's going to play, but I think that for him this is a one and done deal. He's going to get what he wants/needs (Euro passport + exposure to numerous NBA scouts and personnel scouting Doncic), play this Eurobasket and be done with it. Maybe a couple WC qualification games during this upcoming season ...

[Fight4]

This highlights show why Dončić will play PG or point-forward in the NBA (nothing else). Hi's passing at age 18 is already superior to most NBA PG. His decision making is still raw, he tries to do to much, that's why he commits to many turnovers. That will change with experience.

Let me just add, that most of the player comparisons regarding Dončić are just straight up weird. Either players doesn't match his body type or his skills.
I don't know how nobody compared him with Magic. I am not saying he will ever be as good as Magic, but similiraties in body type and skills are obvios. Both are tall (around 6.8) point gards, very similar body structure, similiar level of athleticism (Magic wasn't fast), great passers, very good shooters, both make other players better, high IQ,...

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

EDIT:

For Dončić the most important thing will be that he ends up on a stable team with good coaching. Preferably on a team with good defensive structure, so that he can learn to play proper team defense while he's still young (could be the difference between him being a solid defender or below average one for his career). Good coach can make him into a superstar, a bad one into an above-average starter.

[Mirotic12]

This highlights show why Dončić will play PG or point-forward in the NBA (nothing else). Hi's passing at age 18 is already superior to most NBA PG. His decision making is still raw, he tries to do to much, that's why he commits to many turnovers. That will change with experience.

Let me just add, that most of the player comparisons regarding Dončić are just straight up weird. Either players doesn't match his body type or his skills.
I don't know how nobody compared him with Magic. I am not saying he will ever be as good as Magic, but similiraties in body type and skills are obvios. Both are tall (around 6.8) point gards, very similar body structure, similiar level of athleticism (Magic wasn't fast), great passers, very good shooters, both make other players better, high IQ,...

For Dončić the most important thing will be that he ends up on a stable team with good coaching. Preferably on a team with good defensive structure, so that he can learn to play proper team defense while he's still young (could be the difference between him being a solid defender or below average one for his career). Good coach can make him into a superstar, a bad one into an above-average starter.

You don't compare him with Magic, because he has zero chance of being even half that good.

[Rn5ho]

"Hi, my name is Mirotic12 and anything I say is a fact because well.. I know."

Geez man, don't get me wrong, you do have several valid points and arguments, but you're constantly stating how there's 0 chance that Doncic can become as good as x, y or z. Based on what?! Based on the past while we're living in the present and are about to face the future?! Noone expected Dirk to become NBA legend yet he did, noone expected Jokic to be anything more than a role-player, yet he turned into an allstar. And so on.. yet you're coming here claiming there's no chance for Doncic to get anywhere near some of the game's greats just because he's not destroying the competition at 18 (and well, because he doesn't have grown men's body/strength yet - who does tho at 18?!).

Go on and explain why "he has zero chance of being even half as good as Magic."

[3baller9]

Let me just add, that most of the player comparisons regarding Dončić are just straight up weird. Either players doesn't match his body type or his skills.
I don't know how nobody compared him with Magic. I am not saying he will ever be as good as Magic, but similiraties in body type and skills are obvios. Both are tall (around 6.8) point gards, very similar body structure, similiar level of athleticism (Magic wasn't fast), great passers, very good shooters, both make other players better, high IQ,...

Can he become superstar in Nba?

If he was drafted by the Lakers 1st overall in 1979 he would be in conversation for top 10 all time. The League has changed and only time will tell how well Magic reincarnated can adapt.

;) https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1369376&p=51392374#p51392374

[Juree93]

with Llul injurie Doncic will have his opportunity in Real next season.. Next season will answer a lot of questions... I wonder what Real will do.. Wait for LLul and trust Doncic or sign another PG before season.

[SportsGuy8]

Yeah, it's obviously a terrible news for Llull, but now Doncic is going to have an opportunity to show a lot more. We're going to get answers to lots of various questions ...

It's weird being excited by the news of someone experiencing something so horrific.

[QRich3]

Yeah too bad for Llull who was at the peak of his career, but I am also excited for extended Doncic minutes and role. We should know a lot more about him by next year's draft, for good or for bad. Hope they don't make any significant signing to prevent this.