MAVS NEWS: Luka Is Hurt, But is Trudging On | DLive's Mom Passes Away| Maxi OUT

[Chicagojk]

Was going back through last years trends and it’s still odd to me that we were also 24-20 last year. We went 10-14 over the next 24 games dropping us back to .500. I think this will be the stretch to see if this team is any better. It would have been a very different look last year if we went 14-10 instead and that should be an achievable goal.

This year felt much different.  Last year from the start was such a slog.   There was no joy in watching them play last year.  

The double digit losses this year are definitely concerning though.   You want a mentally tough team that competes hard.   This years team has shown way too many times that they don't bring it every game.  That is bad news.  

They feel to be falling into the same rut as last year.  Can they pull themselves out?  Most teams get into ruts.  Most good teams withstand them and grow.   We will see.  It is going to be a real depressing offseason if things don't improve.  You can have one really sucky year.   2 is a trend and everyone questions if this is the right place for them. 

One thing I am surprised isn't debated more is the heavy minutes for Luka early in the season.  Last season, I brought it all the time.  I thought it was almost a fireable offense Luka would play full halfs in a regular game.  This year hasn't been quite as bad, but there are games (regular average games) where he is taking way too much load.  I don't care what he says.   Kidd has to find ways to get him rest and your job as the coach is find ways to survive those minutes.   Your answer can't be to have Luka play 24 minutes straight.