True or False About Luka Doncic's Start to the Season | Dallas Mavericks Podcast

With the Dallas Mavericks struggling, what is true or false about Luka Doncic's start to the season?
Isaac Harris talks about the weird start to the season for Luka Doncic. He takes comments from Mavs fans about Luka's season to determine what is true, false, and to be determined.
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#LukaDoncic #KyrieIrving #DallasMavericks #Dallas #NBA #Mavericks #Mavs #DallasMavs #MFFL

[@papigatitoASMR]

Good episode! And I'm guessing it's not easy to do one on your own 💪🏻

[@hardywoodaway9912]

no Mavs fan is hostile Isaac, fans are not hostile, they are frustrated. everybody here wants Luka to be successful. why is Kidd playing Luka 38 minutes a game when he isn’t right

[@cryptidian3530]

Yeah. We were spoiled last season with that post-trade deadline run they had and getting to the Finals against the #1 defense, 2nd place MVP and our arch nemesis in the Clippers. This rough patch will pass, we just have to be good fans and keep supporting the team. That's the best we can do. Positivity breeds more positive outcomes.

[@farukguney6894]

Maybe not you. I SAW people legit saying we should trade Luka and tank for Flagg. Under this channels comments.

[@sevjon41]

Right now Luka is just proving the haters that they are right about him (fat, harden 2.0, luka oncic without the D). And that is what frustrates us fans the most

[@gungadin9686]

Actually, you are the only the one saying that and keeping that narrative alive.

[@smag7477]

@@gungadin9686 literally all of nba twitter was saying I told you so and Luka/mavs fans couldn't defend him, it was that bad.

[@farukguney6894]

@@smag7477 nba twitter? You mean people who desperately trying to make a living by making bot/hate accounts?

[@chrisschuenke8316]

At this point, i kinda want Luka to gain 10 to 15 lbs every year and then win a chip as 350lb role player.

[@Damehowell7]

Not all on Luka but the majority so thus that is the focus. If Luka is a committed defender & make better late game decisions the tide changes. With that alone they can overcome any coaching shortcomings. Thats why he makes the big bucks so lets not scared to hold him accountable!

[@sportfanatic5339]

You left off saying “ Will Luka flip the switch?” What switch is the question? I say no because this is Luka. Luka has always been great offensively, and inconsistent on defense. Which also includes him piling up technical fouls and complaining with the refs. As a result, I don’t expect Luka to change this after 7 years. However, I do expect the team to get better, in turn, making people less sensitive to Luka’s flaws.

[@ThePR224]

I don’t think he’s injured. He just looks sluggish and is missing any lift. That’s the main issue with him. It takes so much away from his game. It not being there leads to all the bad body language and whining for calls all the time. His horrible challenge requests prove that.

[@ThePR224]

And that’s contagious to the rest of the roster. They just stand around most of the time. He needs to show more energy so the rest of the team can do that, too. As soon as he does that, they become less one dimensional, and the rest of the team will start hitting more threes.

[@ThePR224]

But to think that the current state of things is all on Luka is just wrong.

[@readmycomment3707]

@@ThePR224 Nah thats b.s. about contagious to rest of roster. Go watch how Celtics bench players hustle compared to ours. Its on our coach to get these bench players to play harder on defense. They should know going in the bulk of shots are going to Luka/Kyrie/Klay, the roleplayers are there to defend and knock down the occasional open 3, thats it. No excuse for them not trying hard on defense, not boxing out and not grabbing loose rebounds

[@ThePR224]

@ dude the whole team is flat. Watch them on offense. Everyone is just standing around. How are you going to expect loads of energy on defense with that type of offensive style?

[@ThePR224]

@ and yes, a lot of it is on kidd, too. But Luka sets the tone.

[@TommyBLor]

Yall need to stop glazing Luka and stop blaming it on J Kidd. “omg Luka’s playing to much minutes” like bro, he’s literally on a SuperMax contract their paying him to play, every NBA SuperStar plays big minutes even Lebron now and he’s like what 40. Big Luka fan but if he don’t play no defense, Dallas may never see a star sign with them ever again after witnessing the atrocious defense Luka has been showing.

[@gungadin9686]

LeBalco is on PEDs. Stop glazing on LeBalco.

[@matthias-christianbender1178]

Not someone has the workload eher since nor the minutes. 1word: slumplegs

[@camdahooper]

Big facts

[@marcviola30]

This is a dumb argument did you not hear the stat Isaac just gave…not every star is playing 38 minutes a game…also give me one offensive strategic tweak Kidd has made in his career as a coach….not just with the mavs…his entire career

[@camdahooper]

@@marcviola30 bruh nobody gaf about stats if your not winning I hate when u dudes throw tht out there like tht yeah he’s getting his numbers but if u really kno ball and watch da game yk how stats is not the end all be all

[@gunsmotleyqueen]

When will this podcast hold Luka accountable? LOL

[@readmycomment3707]

Luka has been trending upwards, he played fine last game. People are just bitter he didnt start with MVP numbers like he did last year. Dude had no Preseason and was injured last playoffs, which he played through and then had a contusion this pre season. Give him some time, I knew it would take at least 10 games for him to get going.

[@Thisisrance]

@@readmycomment3707 he was 4/13 from three, had a crucial turnover and absolutely blew a defensive assignment with seconds on the clock and the game on the line. He was the laughing stock of the NBA world last night. How is that fine?

[@gunsmotleyqueen]

Luka didnt play a lick of defense, stop riding his nuts.

[@KIDSTATIIC]

@@Thisisrancenot to mention that’s his 5th time selling the game because of his bad defense

[@Damehowell7]

The defensive issues are not new. What’s frustrating is its because he is lazy but incredibly gifted. The disappointing part is he knew he was exposed in The Finals & he doesn’t look like he has any interest in changing perception. He doesn’t mind being the food other teams hunt! You can see it in his conditioning, his weight & athleticism. The sad part is it doesn’t appear he cares. I’m starting to question how important winning at any cost is to him. Starting to look like he just wants to have fun hooping & drink beer.

[@Levski011]

I absolutely Love Luka's game when he is on but when he is off to start the season and ge has to adjust playing with new teammates these are the results, still to early to tell but Mavs need to stir the ship in the right direction cause the srason could soon get out of hand if they don't turn things around by the 25-30 game than no playoffs for Dallas this tear lotteey team, it's on them to get serious about playing.

[@charlesbolstridge3871]

Do reporters in Dallas know that defense is part of the game and if you're one of the top 10 worst defensive players in the game it doesn't matter what you do on offense

[@miguedady]

Slightly biased is the only person in this podcasts with enough balls to say things how they truly are.

[@orionzervakos]

At this point I'd rather see Kidd throw games by sitting Luka on the bench until he stops whining. And make it known that's what he's doing. Whine to the refs? Sit for the rest of the half. Then give him another chance at the start of the 2nd half. Later during the press conference when someone asks why Luka only played 17 minutes must say "I'm not watching crybabies out there making the Mavs worse. Anyone with transcendent talent who wants to play needs to be prepared to lead the team with their play and their attitude"

[@Sniperwolf16]

Mavs ceiling will depend on Luka’s effort in defense. He seems lost and always flat footed in the defensive end. Will there be a difference had he contested open shots and not get blown by in a close game? For sure.

[@benmallari8018]

I am a big Dirk fan. He wasn’t the best defender throughout his entire career - but he was committed to play defense. Luka on the other hand is nonchalantly doesn’t care about defense - it’s all about himself. So, darn selflish - shoots anytime anywhere he want - doesn’t give any value now to the team. It is Dallas Mavericks not Luka Doncic He is out of shape btw

[@danny_daphantom]

Facts

[@gungadin9686]

Without Luka, Dallas is a 20 win team. Dont kid yourself. Trade him. I dare you.

[@benmallari8018]

@ I wish I could - I prefer team play vs his style of play

[@genatch]

Luka plays for himself period. He will take 50 shots even if he misses all of them. Defense zero. Numbers mean nothing if you hold the ball and take all the shots , you need to score 120 points, give 25 assists and etc. Trade him for Yanis . 100 players would score and assist more than him on same usage rate and shots amount. And btw they would play defense…

[@tomsmith4452]

His efficiency last season was elite. Braindead take.

[@elias4577]

I want to say first, love ya Isaac…..BUT….the last time Mavs had a season like this you were hosting LOM. You worked for the Mavs? Finals. We need you to go back to the Mavs.

[@DrivingandDelivering]

This channel has spent way too much time focusing on MVP awards.

[@jlavigne1155]

Underwhelming start for Luka

[@Damehowell7]

The defensive issues are not new. What’s frustrating is its because he is lazy! He is just incredibky gifted. The disappointing part is he knew he was exposed in The Finals & he doesn’t look like he has any interest in changing perception. He doesn’t mind being the food other teams hunt! You can see it in his conditioning, his weight & athleticism. The sad part is it doesn’t appear he cares. I’m starting to question how important winning at any cost is to him. Starting to look like he just wants to have fun hooping & drink beer.

[@gungadin9686]

1) Dallas needs to learn how to play two big men at once. They need boards. 2) Without Luka, Dallas is a 20 win team. 3) 29-8-8 is a career year for 99% of NBA players. Most won't ever sniff that. Stop complaining about Luka. 4) They need to stop playing 15 different people. There is no chemistry. 5) Hardy and Dinwiddie at the same time? You are just asking for no rebounds.

[@gungadin9686]

Luka should not be in the post playing defense. Luka is a point guard. Not a post defender. How many times did you see Magic Johnson playing defense in the post next to a center? Next to none. Dallas needs to stop with the 1 center and 4 guard BS every game. Put Gafford in at center. Lively in at Power Forward. Washington at Small Forward. Irving at Shooting Guard. Luka at Point. Bring Clay off the bench.

[@Thisisrance]

Isaac… you’re going to hate this. But 40 year old Bron is outplaying prime Luka by such a wide margin 😂

[@readmycomment3707]

No he isnt

[@Thisisrance]

@ he just recorded his 4th consecutive triple double. He’s shooting 45% from 3, averaging more assist and more rebounds. Scoring 3 less points a game on almost 7 less attempts. It’s not even close man 😂…. Do I even need to get into defense or are we good here?

[@readmycomment3707]

@@Thisisrance So go watch the Lakers then, he gets fed open look 3s because he has AD in the paint. Lukas playing at like 80% and still outpacing him check back in 20 games

[@Thisisrance]

@ I’m not saying i like the Lakers, I’m just stating facts. You’re being delusional about Luka. Personally, I don’t think he’s ever taken his body and health seriously and this is the result. The “I need a recovery beer” and Fin snatching a beer out of his hand last year was funny then… but that’s just what we see. Dude is chubby and looks slower than he did even a year ago.

[@gungadin9686]

LeBron is the biggest PED user in sports. That is why he is doing so well.

[@gungadin9686]

Dallas should just trade Luka and go back to being a 20 win team. That will make the fair weather Dallas fans happy. Clowns are complaining about a man who is averaging 29-8-8. Utah was playing 3 guys who are basically 7 feet tall. So what does Dallas do? Play one center and 4 guards. Maybe that is why Luka is not that great on defense.

[@Damehowell7]

If they traded Luka, the haul they would get in return would prevent them from said seasons. Barring the assets were used properly.

[@Damehowell7]

29-8-8 doesn’t absolve anyone from being held accountable. Particularly when he dominates the ball, the stats should be gaudy! Defense matters & Utah’s big lineups dont matter vs guards when they are not attacking the paint with their size. With those bigs, they still play a perimeter based offense meaning they dont take advantage of their size, they stand around the 3. So that allows the Mavs to play small, its all about effort on the defensive rebounds. So actually the bad coaching is on Utah’s end. Playing all those bigs & sitting them behind the 3 is idiotic! So with Luka’s poor defensive effort hurts them more than the 29-8-8 can overcome. Coupled with the poor late game shot selections is a bad recipe & he has been the main ingredient!

[@gungadin9686]

29-8-8 is a career year for 99% of NBA players. Most won't ever sniff that. Stop complaining about Luka. And stop mentioning LeBalco James. The only reason why LeBron is doing well is the man is on PEDs.

[@charlesbolstridge3871]

I don't understand how you guys didn't see this coming, it was put on film in the finals that Luca is one of the worst defensive players in the NBA and of course the teams going to go at him this year they know that they can go right past him and he doesn't play defense😅😅😅

[@ronmoody3001]

BUT BEEN TO 2 WCF IN THE LAST 3 YEARS & THE FINALS.... SO MAYBE SOME OF THOSE OTHER TEAMS NEED TO PLAY BETTER DEFENSE ... WE'VE ONLY LOST THE THE EVENTUAL CHAMPS

[@Damehowell7]

I dont buy Luka is injured in any way. He may be hurt & sore because he is fat. If he returned to Skinny Luka all this could be solved.

[@iremainunimpressed1589]

Defense?

[@benmallari8018]

He and Gobert should team up - they both suck

[@Damehowell7]

LAZY!

[@charlesbolstridge3871]

Do you cover the team or do you work for the team because this is just an excuse podcast. man no one that covers the mavs actually gives it straight, they just make excuses non-stop for the team and especially for Luca. The only one they'll blame is kid😅

[@Trollthug915]

He’s a slob on defense and offense so far

[@eda2341_]

🦝

[@عبدالواسعسعيد-ض5س]

Disapointing

[@aynemoto4u]

Tired

[@malcolmcain4420]

Theory, Luka is not committed because he agreed to go to The Denver Nuggets when he becomes a free agent. Denver didn't sign anybody this off-season and let KCP go...solves the Denver roster and Luka uncommitted questions.

[@ThePR224]

Cap

[@readmycomment3707]

Hes not becoming a free agent hes signing the supermax. At that point if he wants a trade he wiill force his way out, hes not giving up millions to become a free agent

[@Thisisrance]

@@readmycomment3707 zero chance he gets a super max from Dallas if things keep trending the way its going. Dallas may have to trade him before that contract comes up as crazy as that sounds… giving a guy THAT MUCH money when he’s not playing well isn’t the smartest move for an organization. He’s also not taking less.

[@DrivingandDelivering]

Nah not happening. I’m a life long nuggets fan and was laughing hard when I saw Dallas fans thinking Jokic would go to Dallas. Same way I laugh art the idea of Luka in Denver. These two will not be on the same team at any point in their career outside of all star games. The difference though for Nuggets fans is most Nuggets fans don’t want Luka like all Dallas fans are beyond desperate to get Jokic. I don’t think their game would vibe well together. Luka gives up on 50% of plays because of arguing with refs. We’re fine here in Denver without Luka.

[@benmallari8018]

I am a big Dirk fan. He wasn’t the best defender throughout his entire career - but he was committed to play defense. Luka on the other hand is nonchalantly doesn’t care about defense - it’s all about himself. So, darn selflish - shoots anytime anywhere he want - doesn’t give any value now to the team. It is Dallas Mavericks not Luka Doncic He is out of shape btw