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

[tap2390]

It really really bugs me that our veterans don’t seem to be on the same page as Luka. They really don’t seem to enjoy his success at all. The three to end the half vs. the Celtics last night really stands out. Luka hit a crazy circus shot to get us within single digits and the end of the half and no one got hyped at all.

IMO it’s time to clean house and build around Luka. I understand they’re maybe a little annoyed about the hype but it’s pretty obvious we go as far as Luka takes us. We should be actively searching for deals to get rid of HB, Wes, and DeAndre.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by tap2390

It really really bugs me that our veterans don’t seem to be on the same page as Luka. They really don’t seem to enjoy his success at all. The three to end the half vs. the Celtics last night really stands out. Luka hit a crazy circus shot to get us within single digits and the end of the half and no one got hyped at all.

IMO it’s time to clean house and build around Luka. I understand they’re maybe a little annoyed about the hype but it’s pretty obvious we go as far as Luka takes us. We should be actively searching for deals to get rid of HB, Wes, and DeAndre.

I think a lot of us have observed this for a while, and it's really weird. And it's not just Luka. In the Charlotte game, Barnes has the ball and should have passed it to DSJ but just looks at him and then does another stupid ISO play.

I still don't mind Deandre because good centers are hard to come by and he really helps in the rebounding dept. Wes and Barnes need to go.

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by tap2390

It really really bugs me that our veterans don’t seem to be on the same page as Luka. They really don’t seem to enjoy his success at all. The three to end the half vs. the Celtics last night really stands out. Luka hit a crazy circus shot to get us within single digits and the end of the half and no one got hyped at all.

IMO it’s time to clean house and build around Luka. I understand they’re maybe a little annoyed about the hype but it’s pretty obvious we go as far as Luka takes us. We should be actively searching for deals to get rid of HB, Wes, and DeAndre.

1000% agree with this...you clearly hit the nail on the head!!!

When Barnes signed that enormous contract he probably thought he'd become the alpha dog by now but that hasn't come to fruition because Luka is CLEARLY that guy.

DSJ was touted as the best PG we drafted since Kidd and was the answer to the issues we had at that position for over 5 years. He was considered our franchise PG.

I don't want to give up on DSJ but I think Barnes' enthusiasm for his current role isn't what it should be and I don't see it getting any better. Honestly I think the FO should step back and look at the situation and opportunity they just created by drafting Luka. They hit a grand slam by drafting him and they should do whatever it takes to build around him and that means getting the right pieces and attitudes to build a great chemistry.
When we draft players and acquire in FA from here on they will know this is CLEARLY Luka's team and should have the right attitudes. I think DSJ has the right attitude and I believe he will eventually be a great fit.

Mavs can fiddle around with getting to the POs every year with Luka and Barnes but they have a golden opportunity imo to build something extremely special by completely focusing and building around Luka. I don't think Barnes, Wes, DJ and some others are fully onboard with letting Luka be the alpha guy. That has to change imo for this team to move forward.

[Luka's Mom]

Originally Posted by tap2390

It really really bugs me that our veterans don’t seem to be on the same page as Luka. They really don’t seem to enjoy his success at all. The three to end the half vs. the Celtics last night really stands out. Luka hit a crazy circus shot to get us within single digits and the end of the half and no one got hyped at all.

IMO it’s time to clean house and build around Luka. I understand they’re maybe a little annoyed about the hype but it’s pretty obvious we go as far as Luka takes us. We should be actively searching for deals to get rid of HB, Wes, and DeAndre.

I was indeed a bit surprised/disappointed they didn't get hyped, but I think we as fans tend to over-analyze these things and read too much into them. NBA season is a grind, they're playing games every other day, and even the craziest shots become a routine for them. Not to mention that a guy like Barnes, who played with shooters like Curry and Thompson, has pretty much seen it all already.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by Luka's Mom

I was indeed a bit surprised/disappointed they didn't get hyped, but I think we as fans tend to over-analyze these things and read too much into them. NBA season is a grind, they're playing games every other day, and even the craziest shots become a routine for them. Not to mention that a guy like Barnes, who played with shooters like Curry and Thompson, has pretty much seen it all already.

I agree to an extent. The fire or excitement or competitiveness certainly isn’t there consistently though. It could be a function of the season being a grind. Or it could be no fewer than three vets on expirings playing for their next contracts aren’t as team oriented. Maybe they have one foot out the door? Maybe their is some jealousy involved? Whatever the case, this team doesn’t seem to have much fun playing ball together. And the effort is sorely lacking a lot of the time.