With the #3 pick (!) in the 2018 draft, the Mavs get Luka Doncic

[EricaLubarsky]

Luka makes Gobert his @#$%.

47pts, 7reb, 5ast

[DunkYardDaze]

47/7/5
88-82



https://sportklub.hr/eurobasket-2022...aktom-u-glavu/

https://sportklub.hr/eurobasket-2022...-luke-doncica/

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Can you imagine giving up 5 firsts for Gobert? Luka just cooked that mofo...again.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Can you imagine giving up 5 firsts for Gobert? Luka just cooked that mofo...again.

That is easily the most insane overpay I've ever seen. If there's a more ridiculous trade in NBA history, I can't immediately think of it.

[BPo001]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

That is easily the most insane overpay I've ever seen. If there's a more ridiculous trade in NBA history, I can't immediately think of it.

Seriously. Wtf was Minnesota thinking?

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

That is easily the most insane overpay I've ever seen. If there's a more ridiculous trade in NBA history, I can't immediately think of it.

I think IF, IF you have Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd on your roster and the last major piece before becoming a championship roster is rebounding and defense, then it's still a tremendous overpay, but maybe you do it.

But that's not what happened. The Wolves' roster is crap and one of their top two players already plays center. I know it's a hot take, but I think it could end up being the worst trade in NBA history both in terms of fit, talent exchange, and cost.

Sure, most FRPs don't amount to much as we saw with the Hawks-Mavs and Knicks-Mavs trades, but with that many unprotected picks and a high likelihood of the Wolves imploding, I'd say it's likely that we look at this trade in hindsight as one of the worst of all time.

[EricaLubarsky]

35-5-5-4

Slovenia goes to quarterfinals

[EricaLubarsky]

Poland-Slovenia is going to be amazing on Wednesday

Actually kinda pumped to watch in these last three weeks before NBA camp/preseason

[dirt_dobber]

37 more days?

[DunkYardDaze]

Originally Posted by dirt_dobber

37 more days?

...and Luka will have 4 more days to rest, since SLOVENIA lost to POLAND and ended the tournament.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Does suck though that Luka really won't have much time off before camp. Again reinforces the need for another PG.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Does suck though that Luka really won't have much time off before camp. Again reinforces the need for another PG.

That might be a problem later in Luka's career, but the dude is only 23. He doesn't need that much rest. And honestly, given his history of slacking off and getting fat in the offseason, the lack of rest might be a good thing in his case.

[EricaLubarsky]

Doncic found himself in Dallas? record books by joining Mark Aguirre (1984-85) and Jim Jackson (1994-95) as the only Mavericks to notch 30 points or more in each of the first two games of a season.

[MFFL]

I didn't see this posted anywhere. Luka is absolutely incredible

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...ion-repertoire

[DevinHarriswillstart]

The step back three thing is fascinating. Didn't realize he shot such a high percentage last season. It's all context though as not all step back 3s are the same. Taking early shot clock step backs with a defender in your face will always be a poor choice. He is much better taking them in rhythm or "working" for them versus just lazily chucking one up. An example is vs the Grizzlies when he took a bad step back three and the Griz scored 5 straight after. Those are the only real shots I take issue with.

[EricaLubarsky]

Luka now leading the league in PPG

36-10-9

[EricaLubarsky]

Luka is now:

1st in scoring
16th in rebounding
5th in assists
15th in steals

[EricaLubarsky]

Luka is the first player to score 30 in the first 7 games since Wilt? 60 years ago (61-62)

[saclare]

https://twitter.com/MavsMuse/status/...zvwZO30rV5LN3g

Can't link for some reason, but Luka has shown up much more prepared for this season.

[EricaLubarsky]

There are two players that have started a season with 8 straight 30-pt games

Wilt Chamberlain and Luka Doncic

[LukaMagic]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

There are two players that have started a season with 8 straight 30-pt games

Wilt Chamberlain and Luka Doncic

How was Wilt doing with those assists?

ps Legit question. With that size he could've easily done either or. But perhaps he was an oblivious, selfish sort of a character.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

It does crack me up how many people still criticize him when he is on path to have one of the greatest seasons of all time.

It only he played defense like Kawhi Leonard!

A big difference is the refs are finally blowing the whistle. FTA way up.

[EricaLubarsky]

https://twitter.com/cheetobandeeto/s...99478859366401

This is incredible to watch

[Scoobay]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_bUEAaaR40

it's crazy to watch again highlights of the FIBA championship and what Luka was doing at age 17 against fully grown men.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by Scoobay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_bUEAaaR40

it's crazy to watch again highlights of the FIBA championship and what Luka was doing at age 17 against fully grown men.

I've said it a million times and I'll keep saying it. Any American "expert" who doubted Luka coming into the draft didn't actually watch him play. The total ignorance of international basketball by the ESPN talking heads was made very apparent. And the fact that they didn't understand how superior the level of competition is in Euroleague and Liga ACB to the NCAA is just laughable. At least Max Kellerman had to integrity to admit he hadn't seen much of Luka. All the other clowns just pulled nonsense out of their asses about athleticism.

[dirt_dobber]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

I've said it a million times and I'll keep saying it. Any American "expert" who doubted Luka coming into the draft didn't actually watch him play. The total ignorance of international basketball by the ESPN talking heads was made very apparent. And the fact that they didn't understand how superior the level of competition is in Euroleague and Liga ACB to the NCAA is just laughable. At least Max Kellerman had to integrity to admit he hadn't seen much of Luka. All the other clowns just pulled nonsense out of their asses about athleticism.

100%

[JustJay]

Maybe this is already well known on this forum I don't know but I remember people commenting about the Kings screwing up and not taking Luka, perhaps this is why. Apparently Luka was going to stay overseas if the Kings took him.

https://www.businessinsider.com/luka...verseas-2018-5

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by JustJay

Maybe this is already well known on this forum I don't know but I remember people commenting about the Kings screwing up and not taking Luka, perhaps this is why. Apparently Luka was going to stay overseas if the Kings took him.

https://www.businessinsider.com/luka...verseas-2018-5

If only Josh Green would have threatened to stay in Australia if the Mavs picked him.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Zeus

If only Josh Green would have threatened to stay in Australia if the Mavs picked him.

All the problems this team has, and your gun is pointed at Josh Green? Lol

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

All the problems this team has, and your gun is pointed at Josh Green? Lol

Not Josh fault Mavs blew the draft. I think it's funny on a fan forum that people act like we must make constructive arguments as if we have control over the future maneuvers of the team. It's called venting... Luka's Mavs career was likely determined by the inflection point that was the 2020 draft. We have several players that went after him that are growing into 20 ppg scorers and we collectively act like Josh is a child learning to take his first steps when he scores 10 points in a game. Pointing my guns at front office. They knew from 2018 what they had and haven't done a thing to add the pieces necessary to grow a core to the championship. Problem is there isn't a thing they can do about it now as there is basically no hope in the foreseeable future other than Luka having a post season for the ages where he averages 45 ppg and wills the team to the finals. Desmond Bane who many in the local sports radio media were almost certain the Mavs were going to take as he was right there in the FO back yard has grown into a borderline all star player in his 3rd season at 25 ppg on a team that has a 30 ppg scorer in Ja. The Luka/Bane combo would have been even better than the Ja/Bane which is the best backcourt combo in league already. Venting.. I will leave it for you smart people to come up with a solution and then ensure the FO listens to the collective wisdom of this board.

[twistaeffect2004]

Originally Posted by Zeus

Not Josh fault Mavs blew the draft. I think it's funny on a fan forum that people act like we must make constructive arguments as if we have control over the future maneuvers of the team. It's called venting... Luka's Mavs career was likely determined by the inflection point that was the 2020 draft. We have several players that went after him that are growing into 20 ppg scorers and we collectively act like Josh is a child learning to take his first steps when he scores 10 points in a game. Pointing my guns at front office. They knew from 2018 what they had and haven't done a thing to add the pieces necessary to grow a core to the championship. Problem is there isn't a thing they can do about it now as there is basically no hope in the foreseeable future other than Luka having a post season for the ages where he averages 45 ppg and wills the team to the finals. Desmond Bane who many in the local sports radio media were almost certain the Mavs were going to take as he was right there in the FO back yard has grown into a borderline all star player in his 3rd season at 25 ppg on a team that has a 30 ppg scorer in Ja. The Luka/Bane combo would have been even better than the Ja/Bane which is the best backcourt combo in league already. Venting.. I will leave it for you smart people to come up with a solution and then ensure the FO listens to the collective wisdom of this board.

This? all this.

It?s criminal how they?ve handled acquiring or obtaining talent to surround around Luka.

We have the best player in basketball, a true generational hall of fame once in a lifetime talent and they?ve blown it. They?ve surrounded him with one dimensional role players and journeymen his entire Mavs career.

It?s on par or maybe even worse than what the Cavs did with a young LeBron.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Zeus

Not Josh fault Mavs blew the draft. I think it's funny on a fan forum that people act like we must make constructive arguments as if we have control over the future maneuvers of the team. It's called venting... Luka's Mavs career was likely determined by the inflection point that was the 2020 draft. We have several players that went after him that are growing into 20 ppg scorers and we collectively act like Josh is a child learning to take his first steps when he scores 10 points in a game. Pointing my guns at front office. They knew from 2018 what they had and haven't done a thing to add the pieces necessary to grow a core to the championship. Problem is there isn't a thing they can do about it now as there is basically no hope in the foreseeable future other than Luka having a post season for the ages where he averages 45 ppg and wills the team to the finals. Desmond Bane who many in the local sports radio media were almost certain the Mavs were going to take as he was right there in the FO back yard has grown into a borderline all star player in his 3rd season at 25 ppg on a team that has a 30 ppg scorer in Ja. The Luka/Bane combo would have been even better than the Ja/Bane which is the best backcourt combo in league already. Venting.. I will leave it for you smart people to come up with a solution and then ensure the FO listens to the collective wisdom of this board.

I didn't hear any local sports media talking Bane up at 18. Someone probably floated it, but vast majority would have taken Bey. I know I would have taken Bane over anyone else avail because I watched every single TCU game and even said as much.

I completely agree that Bane would have been a sick combo to pair with Luka and FO fuct up.

However, Green has been better and it was always known that he would take more time than some other guys. He hasn't sparked as soon as I hoped, but he is coming around.

[EricaLubarsky]

Here are my recent thoughts on Bane/Green:

I always assumed we were a stable team, but looking at everything that has come up, we are definitely not. We had a covid/bubble issue like everyone else, but
a) we lost vets/vet leadership and depended on very young Luka to be the player leader and he's barely learning how to lead. I love his leadership but most guys like Dirk learned their leadership from guys like Finley and others.
b) we changed coaches from Rick to Kidd and assistants too
c) we changed systems fairly dramatically

We essentially saw a change of ALL of our leadership and MOST of how we play in the span of two years. That is the definition of a shifting-sands team.

There's a good chance that with all that, Bane would have flopped here too. I dream of a Luka/Wood/Bane lineup, but there's a decent chance that Bane would be doing what Green is doing-- on the bench looking in and trying to figure out how to play

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Here are my recent thoughts on Bane/Green:

I always assumed we were a stable team, but looking at everything that has come up, we are definitely not. We had a covid/bubble issue like everyone else, but
a) we lost vets/vet leadership and depended on very young Luka to be the player leader and he's barely learning how to lead. I love his leadership but most guys like Dirk learned their leadership from guys like Finley and others.
b) we changed coaches from Rick to Kidd and assistants too
c) we changed systems fairly dramatically

We essentially saw a change of ALL of our leadership and MOST of how we play in the span of two years. That is the definition of a shifting-sands team.

There's a good chance that with all that, Bane would have flopped here too. I dream of a Luka/Wood/Bane lineup, but there's a decent chance that Bane would be doing what Green is doing-- on the bench looking in and trying to figure out how to play

There is simply no reason to think that Bane would have flopped here other than pure assertion based on no historical evidence whereas Green, although a very good hustler and energy guy, has never shown any discernible offensive talent at any level of play. Green was drafted on pure developmental potential and athletic ability more than any display of offensive prowess in HS or college. The chance of Green ever getting to Bane's level of offensive skill is highly improbable. Not saying Green can't be a contributor, but Bane is a borderline all star offensive talent on any team as seen by how effective he is playing with a high scoring PG. I reject your assertion that Bane might have Green like performance here. There is simply no evidence to support that notion.

[MFFL]

Interesting article at the DMN about how Luka is now entering the ranks of GOOD defenders

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/ma...-step-forward/

[MFFL]

Luka had to score 50 just to beat the freaking ROCKETS by 6 points.

He's gonna want out of here and I can't blame him.

[tap2390]

Lol you think the guy currently averaging damn near 25/5/5 on 50/48/94 splits wouldn't have succeeded here? We must suck at player dev even more than I ever knew.

Sorry but that's laughable. I'm talking myself into Green as much as anyone, but Bane is an elite offensive player on any team.

[SMC0007]

Yea. I'm no scout by any means but I know wtf I'm looking at when I watch a player play almost every game. Bane was always going to be successful because his defense was solid and his shot form was pure. He was always confident and took on PG duties for a span at TCU when we lost our main playmaker for a bit.

I'm not saying Josh isn't on his way to being a borderline all-star one day or won't surpass Bane at some point but Bane starting next to Luka was a no brainer out of the box ready to cook meal served up on a platter.

It is what it is, we missed on him and hopefully just have a delayed success in Green. I'm not pining over the loss, but defending the position I had when Bane declared for the draft that if he makes it to 18 we would be lucky.

[JustJay]

[dirt_dobber]

Didn't think I would ever like another athlete as much as I loved Dirk.
BUT
Luka is the man!
Hilarious video - Dude Perfect vs. Luka Doncic (1-on-1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Dt...el=DudePerfect