03-24-2023, 10:39 AM
(03-24-2023, 10:21 AM)F Gump Wrote: Obviously Luka would want the spotlight. But wow, being held hostage to immaturity?
1 If Luka ever wants to play on the BIGGEST stage, there is no question the Mavs need an infusion of much better talent.
2 There are legit questions arising about Luka's priorities, and maturity, since with great regularity he seems more interested in negotiating for favorable whistles and playing hero ball than in playing the game in a winning manner.
3 The adults in the room (if there are any) should never cater to those whose only interest is instant gratification. Someone needs to make the hard decisions.
4 Luka seething over and having to deal with a lost season would be a good thing, if it made him grow up in how he approaches the game. And let's be honest, it's time to face the truth that this is a lost season, and huge changes are needed.
Wow. Luka is not the problem of this franchise. He is not perfect, but he is not the problem. I think that is obvious from the time he doesn't play. Mavs aren't any better/different when he doesn't play. They are worse.
As for your points:
1. He can also leave to somewhere where they are able to build around him
2. Not relevant to the tanking question at all. These are just your impressions about Luka
3. Instant gratification? Mavs are building a team around Luka for 5 years now and seem to get worse with every try. Luka on the other hand showed clear improvement over years. That doesn't mean he is perfect. But he is improving, the team is not.
4. True, changes are needed. I don't think they are that huge or difficult to accomplish, though. Mavs have to use the remaining assets and bring in a couple of good defenders, who don't have to be elite offensive talents. I don't think a position this year will have much impact on the ability for them to do it. Unprotected picks have similar value than the lottery pick they may hope to get this year by badly losing every remaining game