GAME 4 DIRKIE: KYRIE!

[michaeltex]

The question for me has become this:

Is this a Dirk-like situation, wherein, despite lacking the MJ, Kobe "serial killer" level of commitment to competing right out of the gate, Luka will continuously mature and be more mindful of how to keep his body operating at a high level, OR, is Luka simply another example (regardless of how talented) of an Eastern European NBA player who limits their own potential due to a culturally different lens on what his job actually is? Vlade Divac and Hedo Turkoglu were both GREAT players. Not as great as Luka, but far above average, even by NBA standards. Both would've been even better had they made lifestyle sacrifices the way Americans do. 

In a way, their approach is healthier, from a Macro view, as I think one has to have basically a singular focus in life from an inappropriately young age to "make it" here as an athlete. The filter system just has so much more competition along the way over here, whereas (I think) making it to the NBA from over there is more about true talent, love for the sport, etc (in the most general of senses). But man, to my American-conditioned sensibilities, it's hard not to view some of those guys' careers as missed opportunities, rather than the success stories they are, in reality.

I agree with your points in general, but is Luka's history typical of a Euro player? I mean he started his professional career so young and reached the pinnacle of European success before he was even eligible for the NBA draft. My impression is that Luka was all basketball, all the time during his pre-NBA years. Now he is married (or about to be?) has a kid (another pending?) talks about wanting to own a farm in Slovenia and currently has a net worth of ~$50M and is guaranteed an annual income of ~$43M/year for the next 5 years from just his NBA salary, never mind endorsements. The only motivation now to "improve" has to come from within himself, driven by his desire to compete and test himself against the best with the goal of gaining a Larry O trophy to cap his accomplishments.

My hope is that his aspirations for success outweigh the draw of complacency.

[KillerLeft]

I agree with your points in general, but is Luka's history typical of a Euro player?

No, his history isn't typical of ANY player, which is where this argument comes from, of course. Some are content to marvel at his gifts, which at this point, have placed him squarely in the top 5 of the best league in the world, but haven't resulted in team success (roster building and coaching are also part of that, but it's naive to think Luka's shortcomings aren't in the mix there, too). Others see his rare, generational talent and want him to become LITERALLY the best player in the world, if not OF ALL TIME. It's the classic "glass half full or half empty" question, only regardless of where the consensus here lands, only one person's agenda matters, and that's Luka, himself. 

I think Kobe Bryant is one of the more overrated players of my lifetime, but his desire and will to be the best was NOT overrated. This is a man who decided not to attend college because he was afraid he'd miss out on the opportunity to compete against Michael Jordan - to see if he could be better than the greatest of all time. I think it's pretty likely that this way of thinking is a big part of what led him to become as great as he was. Luka has it on the floor, for sure. Imagine if he had it on off-nights? Over the summer? At 6 AM, when only the biggest sickos are training? Dirk had that too, by the end. 

It's selfish, I know. It's his life, not mine (or ours). But, I just can't help it. I want him to be the best, and that's because I love watching him play for my team so much.

[SleepingHero]

https://streamable.com/nngbzw

Just found Naji's defensive highlight of the game. Had to put it in the Dirkie thread.

[SleepingHero]

https://twitter.com/miss77ela/status/185...2775753051

Also finally found Luka's postgame interview. I think this is the most words he's ever said in a post game interview??!

[Smitty]

I wanted to cast my vote before reading any comments so that I couldn't be swayed. I was shocked to see I was the only PJ vote. I get that Kyrie was great and would get most of the votes but man, if not for PJ in the first half, it probably gets out of hand... not one vote? 17 points, 50% from 3, 8 boards, 3 assists and fantastic defense from your number 4/5 guy!!??

This was the first game that I've been able to watch live and I got to watch it with my son. What a treat!

Early in the 3rd it looked like the Mavs would be better off sitting Luka as he was obviously playing timid due to the injury scare before the half. Luckily, Kyrie noticed that he'd need to step up and be Batman instead of Robin if the Mavs wanted to win.

Gaff 100% from the field, some timely 3's from Grimes, a clutch steal and free throws by the knife, and Lively being more than his box score numbers will show. Great early season W!

[michaeltex]

It's selfish, I know. It's his life, not mine (or ours). But, I just can't help it. I want him to be the best, and that's because I love watching him play for my team so much.

On the same page here. 

Dirk was such a basketball nerd early on and he found a kindred soul in Nash. This gym rat mentality I think helped them both succeed. 

It's natural, but not fair, to compare the arcs of Dirk and Luka, two of the greatest players to put on a Mav's uniform.

I think (hope?) Luka's determination builds as the season goes along, wins pile up and games become more meaningful. After 100+ games, I get wanting to just walk away to re-charge. Maybe it takes a little time to get back to normal.

What is abnormal though is that last summer was Luka's longest break in playing competitive basketball in years. Then the training camp injury delayed "getting the rust off" and developing team chemistry. So I guess patience is the word of the day here.

[The Jom]

https://streamable.com/nngbzw

Just found Naji's defensive highlight of the game. Had to put it in the Dirkie thread.

Like this. Especially Ant’s embarrassed grin afterwards. Although there’s something to admire in that kid’s foolish overconfidence, believing that his team wins by 40 if he just plays “his” game, I don’t like the reaction. I really think the appropriate response is Devin Booker’s on the FT lane, getting blown out by the Mavs and refusing to look at Luka’s mocking face, internalizing the pain and harboring it for motivation instead

Which is exactly how I thought Luka took KD’s “too small” taunt. Next Phoenix game will be interesting.

[fifteenth]

I'm with the folks who are thankful for the skill and drive that Luka has but who would also love to see Luka reach his full potential by learning to manage his fitness level.

He is already one of the most skilled players ever.
He will probably have to get his eating and fitness right to become one of the greatest players ever.

I went Ky for the Dirkie, but like the PJ pick too.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Dirk was 27-28ish when he matured. Jokic 26.

I haven’t seen that next level of dedication from Luka yet. He’s 25. He had an injury this training camp this year so maybe TBD.

I’m not necessarily talking about going back to Slovenia but that’s part of it. Drinking. Diet. Being in shape. We hope he makes that transition one day or I guess there’s no shame in having a James Harden or Joel Embiid type career.

This is where I take issue with Cuban saying Luka is already better than Dirk.

[KillerLeft]

I wanted to cast my vote before reading any comments so that I couldn't be swayed. I was shocked to see I was the only PJ vote. I get that Kyrie was great and would get most of the votes but man, if not for PJ in the first half, it probably gets out of hand... not one vote? 17 points, 50% from 3, 8 boards, 3 assists and fantastic defense from your number 4/5 guy!!??

This was the first game that I've been able to watch live and I got to watch it with my son. What a treat!

Early in the 3rd it looked like the Mavs would be better off sitting Luka as he was obviously playing timid due to the injury scare before the half. Luckily, Kyrie noticed that he'd need to step up and be Batman instead of Robin if the Mavs wanted to win.

Gaff 100% from the field, some timely 3's from Grimes, a clutch steal and free throws by the knife, and Lively being more than his box score numbers will show. Great early season W!

I wanted to cast a vote in favor of a defender, I really did. When push came to shove for me, however, I couldn't decide between PJ's first half or Marshall/Grimes' third quarter, so the tie went to the offensive engine of the night, lol.

[The Jom]

I wanted to cast a vote in favor of a defender, I really did. When push came to shove for me, however, I couldn't decide between PJ's first half or Marshall/Grimes' third quarter, so the tie went to the offensive engine of the night, lol.

How did this post not mention Lively??? Kid was defensive dynamite, blowing up play after play (and almost took my vote). 

Favorite play of the game was Gobert getting the ball inside and trying to go iso on the kid. So unfair. Coaching malpractice to use Rudy that way.

[KillerLeft]

How did this post not mention Lively???

idk, man...guess I thought the full, gushing paragraph I devoted to him in the OP kinda expressed my thoughts on him adequately. I didn't know I had to mention him in every post.

[Smitty]

I wanted to cast a vote in favor of a defender, I really did. When push came to shove for me, however, I couldn't decide between PJ's first half or Marshall/Grimes' third quarter, so the tie went to the offensive engine of the night, lol.

I really liked what I saw from Grimes in this one. Naji so far reminds me of DJJ's first few weeks last year. Doesn't know where to fit just yet, but his flashes make me think he'll be just as important as DJJ was when it gets figured out.

What I love so far is that Lively might be the most impactful player through the first 4 games and Luka is obviously the best player on the team, yet Klay, PJ and Kyrie are the three Dirkie winners for the 3-1 Mavs. Deep team!!

[The Jom]

idk, man...guess I thought the full, gushing paragraph I devoted to him in the OP kinda expressed my thoughts on him adequately. I didn't know I had to mention him in every post.

Sorry, professor. I should’ve taken better notes on your original post so that I didn’t make this mistake. 

On a happier note, you and Luka seem to be in mid-season form already with the trash talk!

[KillerLeft]

Sorry, professor. I should’ve taken better notes on your original post so that I didn’t make this mistake. 

On a happier note, you and Luka seem to be in mid-season form already with the trash talk!

I don't understand this response. You criticized me, not the other way around. I mean, I'm not offended or anything, but now I'm getting the feeling like YOU feel attacked. I think the kids call that "gaslighting," but to be honest, I don't really have a good grasp over that term. 

What did I miss?

[The Jom]

No criticism intended earlier. Not feeling attacked. Did think you were talking smack to me, which is 100% fine.

[KillerLeft]

No criticism intended earlier. Not feeling attacked. Did think you were talking smack to me, which is 100% fine.

No, definitely wasn't. Guess wires got crossed. 

All good!

[Reunion Mav]

Reading this was the best fun of the year so far. Of course the game itself was supremely fun. Gotta beat the Rockets tonight so I can talk Mavs trash tomorrow here in Houston. I so miss my season tickets.

[fifteenth]

Reading this was the best fun of the year so far. Of course the game itself was supremely fun. Gotta beat the Rockets tonight so I can talk Mavs trash tomorrow here in Houston. I so miss my season tickets.

Hope all is well with you, sir!

Can't wait til the 10 game mark! I always look forward to your breakdowns!

[RGP1981]

Dirk was 27-28ish when he matured. Jokic 26.

I haven’t seen that next level of dedication from Luka yet. He’s 25. He had an injury this training camp this year so maybe TBD.

I’m not necessarily talking about going back to Slovenia but that’s part of it. Drinking. Diet. Being in shape. We hope he makes that transition one day or I guess there’s no shame in having a James Harden or Joel Embiid type career.

This is where I take issue with Cuban saying Luka is already better than Dirk.

Luka is already better than Dirk.

But if he doesn't get in shape... he may end up as the most talented player to never win a title. Who knows? Hope not.