Mavs 2-0 with Kyrie and no Luka, but now 0-2 with Luka back...(Luka can't play off ball or defend)

[bradybunch]

Luka's my favorite player, but I'm not a blind idol worshipper.

Luka struggles mightily to be successful without the basketball in his hands. And he's getting worse defensively. I have no idea how he's out of shape this far into the season.

On the other hand, Kyrie is actually a solid defender despite the rhetoric. He hustles and contests shots. And he can obviously succeed off the ball.

The Mavs are toast and have ZERO chance against Denver and Phoenix. Absolutely zero.

Luka gotta mature, man.

(Go ahead and ban me for telling the truth)

[TinmanZBoy]

Trade his fat ass then

[shangrila]

It was always going to take time. Be patient.

[HotRocks34]

hahhahaa.

Trade Fatty now!

[life_saver]

Yes...as a fan of a Western Conference team, Mavs are better without Luka and Mavs should trade him to an Eastern Conference team

[The-Power]

That thread will likely look very bad in hindsight when the two start figuring it out together. That being sad, Dallas has to figure out their defense because as it stands, they neither have great defensive personnel nor chemistry on that end – and that's a problem.

[BoogieTime]

not going to count the first game. 31 teams in the league could have lost in overtime in Sacramento.

The game tonight coincides with Luka's worst stretch of the season. he needs to get it in gear as much as the chemistry is a concern

[azcatz11]

He’s put on weight for sure. There’s really no denying that. I think he needs to lose maybe 15 lbs and he’d be perfect

[HotRocks34]

not going to count the first game. 31 teams in the league could have lost in overtime in Sacramento.

The game tonight coincides with Luka's worst stretch of the season. he needs to get it in gear as much as the chemistry is a concern

He's out of shape from the time off (injury).

Also, Dallas has a number of guys out (THJ, Kleber, Bertains) or who will be coming soon (Holiday).

That said, they need big man and defense help.

[HotRocks34]

Kidd is experimenting heavily with lineups and rotations, too, since Kyrie came. That'll take time.

Luka can play off the ball and he can play defense. He's shown both in the past.

But he and the team have to pick it up. In some ways, being embarrassed (as is happening vs Minny) should help spur forward movement.

I'm a little surprised Morris has gotten no playing time.

[Jimmit79]

It's time to trade Luka to Knicks this offseason don't worry we will give RJ Evans Rose and tons of Picks.

[kenwood3333]

Bring Luka off the bench to lead the 2nd unit.

[LAvision]

As someone here would say, exposed.

[Pharmcat]

As someone here would say, exposed.

beat me to it

[Hsker4Life]

Jeez…give it time.

[HotRocks34]

Kyrie is hot late against Minny, and Luka is giving the ball to Kyrie and playing off the ball.

Exactly as he should.

Good to see.

[VanWest82]

Mavs gave up what little defense they had with DFS. It shouldn't be surprising that they're having trouble stopping people. The idea that Mavs are somehow worse offensively because they have another A lister and Luka has to play off ball some is stupid. This is entirely about defense and the fact Mavs have no roster balance.

[Phreak50]

He's out of shape from the time off (injury).

Was it not a heel injury?

He wasn't out that long, could have easily kept up cardio. No reason whatsoever to have put on weight during the time off.

[HotRocks34]

He's out of shape from the time off (injury).

Was it not a heel injury?

He wasn't out that long, could have easily kept up cardio. No reason whatsoever to have put on weight during the time off.

Yes, heel.

Well, fatties get fat quickly. And we all know Luka doesn't need much help to put on weight.

He's for sure out of shape. Sucking wind this game, and last.

[Kingdibs19]

Agreed with the majority that Luka needs to be traded.