More than 150 NBA players took part in an anonymous survey conducted by ‘The Athletic’. It included the usual questions about the MVP, the best franchises, the most underrated and overrated player… But this time the questionnaire included a question about what has been the news of the season: Luka Doncic’s trade to the Lakers. Taking advantage of the freedom that anonymity offers, the players have been extremely honest in giving their opinion.
The first feeling most experienced when they heard the news was one of amazement. They couldn’t believe that one of the most important transfers in NBA history had just been announced. “It’s one of those things you’re never going to forget, that sticks with you forever, like when Michael Jackson died or 9/11,” one said. “The biggest thing since LeBron went from Cleveland to Miami”, it was defined.
Doncic’s transfer is one of those things you’re never going to forget, that stays with you forever, like when Michael Jackson died or 9/11
At first, many of the players did not give credibility to Shams Charania, the journalist who broke the news. Some did not believe it until they spoke to their representatives or even sent a message to Charania himself. “It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in a trade,” said one player. “I thought it was the NBA doing it to raise ratings,” said one conspirator.
What everyone assumed is that if it was Doncic’s turn to be traded, it could happen to anyone. “You realise that no one is untouchable. In this league there is nothing predictable and you never know what is going to happen. It’s the kind of thing that makes stars nervous”.
A historic mistake
Once the surprise was over, it was time to analyze the move that shook the NBA and most players believe that what the Mavericks did is a historic mistake. “The worst decision in modern basketball history,” said one. “The dumbest idea ever,” another said. “The worst thing ever done,” shared another. And even the insults are coming: “It’s psychotic” and “It’s crazy. It’s idiotic.”
It’s crazy. Idiotic
Many players did not like that from Dallas they began to criticize Doncic’s professionalism and talk about the care of his physique. “And if Doncic weighs 200 kilos, what does it matter? He’s going to average a 30-point triple-double anyway,” one of the players jokes. It was also commented that the point guard did not defend: “All players have their strengths and weaknesses. And with Luka, what he does on offense far outweighs what he doesn’t do on defense.” “A lot of people talk about defense but you don’t trade a generational bastard like that.”
The transfer may have even changed the mentality of some of the NBA’s protagonists. “Why am I going to do shit for the team if that’s how they’re going to treat me?” A guy comes in, he’s an MVP candidate, All NBA in five out of six years… and they don’t even tell him anything before they do it. Well, you think, ‘That franchise isn’t going to do shit for me. Why do I have to do it for them? And he’s not the only one who forgets the romanticism: “If you don’t fit into their vision at that moment, they’re going to get rid of you, so you can’t put your feelings into this.”
Trading a generational player
The majority would not have executed the transfer and these are some of their reasons. “You had a franchise player who didn’t want to move from there. Stick with him forever,” says one player. “It’s a bad deal. Keep him. He’s a generational player,” says another about Doncic. “Surely Doncic is the best player in the NBA for the next 15 years. Maybe there was something we don’t know behind the scenes, but it can’t be understood,” says one intrigued.
And if Doncic weighs 200 kilos, what does it matter? He’s going to average a 30-point triple-double anyway
And yet, there are those who are in favor of what the Mavericks did by letting Doncic slip away. “I think it’s a phenomenal decision. I’m in favor of Nico Harrison. I’m a fan,” says someone who must not have a good opinion of the Slovenian. “I think you had to have balls to do something like that,” says another.
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