Luka was again team worst -17 against SAS (while two of the starters had +13 and +18, so it wasn't just a collective starter group failure). That is now 5 of the 8 games he has been last (or 2nd to last on one of them) on the team in +/-. Sample size now up to 8.
When Luka isn't playing, I am seeing ALL five Mavs players are playing with a collective energy, effort, and scramble that is just not there when he is playing. Even when slow-ass Boban is in there, the energy and effort on D feels better.
Why??
1) Is Luka out of shape? Poor diet and conditioning practices? Tired from the Olympics?
2) Is Luka nursing a nagging injury or have some tendinitis? I have seen him on the bench icing his right knee.
3) Is Luka pouting/frustrated over something? Rule changes? Change of scheme on O he doesn't like? The Mavs not trading KP and getting him more reliable help?
Honestly my guess would be its a combo of all three. But I am only speculating. Regardless my eyes over eight games tell me he is easily the "effort" weak-link on this team and so far the numbers seem to be saying that it is especially bringing down the team D.
When Luka isn't playing, I am seeing ALL five Mavs players are playing with a collective energy, effort, and scramble that is just not there when he is playing. Even when slow-ass Boban is in there, the energy and effort on D feels better.
Why??
1) Is Luka out of shape? Poor diet and conditioning practices? Tired from the Olympics?
2) Is Luka nursing a nagging injury or have some tendinitis? I have seen him on the bench icing his right knee.
3) Is Luka pouting/frustrated over something? Rule changes? Change of scheme on O he doesn't like? The Mavs not trading KP and getting him more reliable help?
Honestly my guess would be its a combo of all three. But I am only speculating. Regardless my eyes over eight games tell me he is easily the "effort" weak-link on this team and so far the numbers seem to be saying that it is especially bringing down the team D.