Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA, few would doubt that. In a turbulent season in which he was traded by the Mavericks to the Lakers in February and in which he went through physical problems that prevented him from opting for the big prizes of the campaign by not playing the minimum number of games, the Slovenian finished with averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists, almost replicating the numbers of his seven-year career in the league: 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists.
But despite his unquestionable performance, the 26-year-old Slovenian still has a significant niche of detractors who criticize his fitness, his apparent overweight at the start of the season and, above all, his poor defensive disposition which, according to them, often drags down his teams.
His defensive limitations, a drag
The former Real Madrid player is one of the best offensive players since he arrived in the NBA, which has led him to be a five-time All-Star, scoring champion and five-time All-NBA, as well as leading the Mavericks to a Finals. But his defensive limitations are the subject of criticism from his detractors and are exploited by his rivals, who are aware of his shortcomings.
The problem is his defensive mentality… don’t make it a weight issue and try to steer us away from the subject. Rebounding and defense are achieved with an effort mentality, it has nothing to do with his weight
An NBA legend, Paul Pierce, who played 19 seasons in the league, was a 10-time All-Star and won the ring in 2008 being crowned MVP, commented on the Slovenian’s deficit: “Let’s talk about his defensive mentality, because I think that’s the problem… don’t make it a weight issue and try to steer us away from it. Rebounding and defense is effort mentality, it has nothing to do with his weight,” Pierce said on ‘Speak for Yourself’.
Take advantage of what it gives
“He got to learn how to defend well and not get isolated or get bullied. That’s the problem with him, not his weight. He can come in at 300 pounds, but if he gives me 13, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, then that’s fine. Shaq [O’Neal] couldn’t make free throws, but we still took advantage of everything he gave us,” said the former Celtics player, implying that it will be difficult for him to improve that aspect of his game.
He needs to learn to defend well and not get isolated or bullied. That’s the problem with him, not his weight. He can come in at 300 pounds, but if he gives me 13, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, that’s fine
These problems are part of the reason why Doncic was traded in February. The Mavericks grew tired of his uneven play and sent him to the Lakers in a megatrade, later confirming why they decided to part ways with him. Apparently, Doncic’s problems staying in shape led the Mavs to doubt his future and question whether they could win the championship with him at the helm.
In Los Angeles, Luka is trying his best to get over the tough experience, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to forget it. The Mavericks’ betrayal and their criticism of his work ethic has only motivated him more to try to improve.
More assiduous in the gym with LeBron
With LeBron James and JJ Redick by his side, Luka has discovered a new passion for the gym and is more motivated than ever to have his best season. It must be assumed that, no matter how much he works on this aspect, he will never reach the level of the great defensive specialists in the league, but with the right effort and attention to detail, he can stop being a burden in that aspect
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