HALLELUKA: Luka Clinches All-NBA 1st team. 4th in 5 years

[mavsluvr]

Yes, it is only seven games (I said multiple times that is a SMALL sample size), but the numbers IN that sample are really, really bad

It's seven games. Making conclusions based on a sample size like this is like designing a suit for a guy based on measuring his little toe. Yes, his little toe might be really, really misshapen and oddly sized, but that indicates nothing about his body as a whole. One of the most basic principles of statistics is that conclusions based on tiny sample sizes are likely to be wildly off. 


Luka is not a perfect player. I find it interesting to discuss his strengths and weaknesses in a realistic manner. I feel the same way about the other players, other teams, the coaching staff, the front office, the owner, and everyone else. I think that's the essence of sports discussion boards (other than fans who just go to them to vent).

But. Legitimate criticism is one thing, and accommodates a reasonably wide range of disagreement. Going off the rails is another. Leaping from reading one statistic across a tiny handful of games to concluding that Luka is the most important reason the Mavs aren't better than they are is jumping the shark. 

I don't usually consider it worthwhile to even get into discussions with people who have clearly already made up their minds. I might not have even said anything if you had offered your case as a submission of evidence tending to support your own hypothesis, rather than presenting hot-take conclusions as if they were inarguable facts of the universe handed down from Ararat. Or, if you were a less prominent poster with less effect on the character of the board. 

I already know that your opinion on this matter is not going to be affected by any discussion by other posters. I only choose to push back on it to this degree because it doesn't take much for fan boards and social media sites in general to change into something totally different when they cease to be forums for discussion and become forums for people taking turns making assertions that their interpretation of the world, no matter how extreme, is the only true way to interpret reality. You can observe that phenomenon on a daily basis in society today. (Not accusing you of saying that, rather noting that is what can result). 

I think it is important to preserve the character of this unique board as a place where people can reasonably discuss basketball matters based on commonly accepted rules of reason, and listen to each other respectfully, using commentary as a learning experience. I realize not everyone may agree with me. 

I also already know that you are going to interpret this as a personal attack, no matter how much I honestly say that it isn't. I believe I have stated multiple times that I recognize your contributions and importance to the board. You keep us up-to-date with the news very diligently, and also are important in keeping the discussions lively. I want to say that I appreciate what you do, even though I know you will disregard it. I am offering a suggestion on the one specific issue of the overall effect on the character of the board when people present their opinions as if they are a lawyer arguing in court, trying to prove that their interpretation of the case is the only truth, rather than in the spirit of collegial discussion.   

Okay, I've presented my point, and will not belabor it any further. I imagine you want to keep on with your takes in your own fashion, so fire away. I'm out.