On the latest episode of First Take, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith questioned Luka Doncic’s “commitment to winning and his love for basketball after being drafted by Dallas in June 2018 from Real Madrid.
The “where is luka doncic from” is a bold question that Stephen A. Smith asked Luka Doncic following the Mavericks’ postseason loss to Houston.
| Stacy Revere/Getty Images; Alex Goodlett/Getty Images; Stephen A. Smith and Luka Doncic (L-R)
Luka Doncic is coming off one of the most impressive postseason runs in NBA history. He guided an uninspiring Dallas Mavericks team to the Western Conference Finals while averaging absurdly high stats.
However, after his playoff defeat to the Golden State Warriors, he continues to be questioned by detractors.
Along with his head coach, Jason Kidd, (perhaps) pressing him to exercise harder this summer, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith praised Doncic’s dedication.
Luka Doncic’s devotion has been questioned by Stephen A. Smith.
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Luka Doncic stated that he was out of condition at the start of the season. Despite this, he was one of the league’s finest players, averaging 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. He also had a great postseason season, averaging 31.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on his way to the Conference Finals.
However, Stephen A. Smith chastised Luka for his poor shooting (37.0 percent) in Games 4 and 5 against the Warriors, which contributed to the Mavs’ playoff demise.
“The main emphasis in regards to Luka should be on his devotion, not his abilities….” Smith noted on the May 27 broadcast of First Take, “He’s not in terrific form.” “…The reason you don’t see any effort on defense is because A: He doesn’t have the energy or enthusiasm, and B: He doesn’t know what’s required of him offensively.”
Smith believes Doncic’s offensive abilities have been shown and that he can carry the Mavericks on that end of the floor. He must, however, improve in other areas.
“You have to become in better condition; you have to defend, and other defenses can’t pick on you,” Smith continued.
Because of their comparable playstyles, Smith and colleague ESPN announcer Jay Williams likened Doncic to LeBron James. According to Smith, the most significant difference is James’ commitment to remaining in shape.
“[LeBron] never deceives you; he’s always in good form.” Smith said, “He’s always prepared.”
Above all, the Dallas Mavericks need assistance for Luka Doncic.
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Stephen A. Smith took a risk by using the term “commitment.” Luka Doncic has made it apparent that he wants to be the best. He has honed his abilities to the point that he is now one of the best offensive players in the world. Smith’s main argument, though, remained unmistakable: Doncic has to be in better condition.
The Mavericks’ major worry this summer shouldn’t be Luka’s fitness; it should be the assets they have around him.
Aside from Doncic, the Mavs didn’t have a single player who averaged 16.5 points or more this season. They have strong role players and a fantastic third option in Jalen Brunson, but they need depth.
Take, for example, the Warriors. This season, they had four players who averaged more than 17.0 points per game and two who averaged more than 20.0 points each night. The Boston Celtics had two players who averaged more than 23.5 points per game, while the Miami Heat have three players who averaged more than 19.0 points per game.
Is it possible that Doncic’s fitness has to be improved in order for him to perform at a better level defensively? Yes. The Mavericks, on the other hand, still need to acquire him some additional support.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
Luka Doncic’s Salary: The Dallas Mavericks’ Star Is Only the NBA’s 104th-Highest-Paid Player
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