joesha1698 wrote:Bob8 wrote:joesha1698 wrote:
They don't seem sad at all. No more lack of accountability. Ignoring your teammates. Showing up your teammates. No defense. Out of shape. Constantly arguing with refs and not getting back. Let's not pretend like Luka was so fun to play with. I think when Kyrie got here he relaxed a lot and was a lot more easy going but he wasn't always the best teammate. Just because you get teammates open shots doesnt mean you can berate them and show them up with your body language. Before anyone accuses me of taking shots at Luka when he's gone - ive been saying the whole time he was here.
Everything alright with you? Kinda big conclusions after just watching 30 seconds of warmup.

Maybe his teammates demanded the trade?

Yes, I'm fine. I'm just pushing back on this narrative that Luka was not at fault in this as well. If Luka came back in great shape and leading this team - the ownership could not have justified trading him. Keep in mind, last year, before we upgraded centers and add PJ - there is now way that team goes to the finals...we thought we might even miss the play-in. The previous year we missed the playoffs when Kyrie got here and Luka was injured again. After making the finals, he pulls this same stuff. I'm just calling him out. He needs to take his health and leadership seriously. Hopefully he does that. But let's not act like Luka's unprofessionalism didnt help him get traded. It definitely made it easier for mgmt. I do not believe Luka is traded this year if he shows up in shape and avoids injuries.
Irrelevant. You don't trade him. Period. Unless he were Bi-Polar or had a drug addiction or something crazy. Luka is a basketball junkie. Plays for his country. Doesn't have a lot of time off from the sport. Basketball is his vice. He's a good kid. Has flaws. You ride it out and work with him. That's your job.
Some of you think your superstar has to be a choir boy. I don't. Plenty of superstars in sports are not natural leaders. Many grow into it but it takes years for some, and some never do. Some have other issues including maturity issues, and I'm sure plenty have issues we never learn about.
As I've mentioned, I went thru something like this with Big Ben as a Steelers fan. First part of his career he was immature, not a leader. Cracked his head open in a motorcycle accident. Received many of the same criticisms I see of Luka including fat and doesn't take care of his body like Tom Brady. Ben matured, became a good teammate and a leader over time. Never took care of his body like Tom Brady though. I enjoyed the high level of play and the 2 rings along the way.
I've heard stories of NBA champions where guys couldn't stand each other. Chemistry is great but you can win championships without it.
WCF 2 seasons ago, NBA finals last season. Lost to a team primed and ready, ZERO shame in losing to the Celtics last season.
5 straight 1st team all nba
A long list of post season LEGENDARY games and LEGENDARY big moments WHICH IS ALL I CARE ABOUT
I do not care about the regular season. Neither did Shaq Diesel. Worked out pretty well for him.
Luka getting time to rest from injury would have been a benefit down the road this season
"I need a recovery beer" is legendary stuff. Luka is a fun kid and a throwback which is kind of cool.