11-10-2021, 10:42 PM
(11-10-2021, 10:34 PM)Kammrath Wrote: He has seemed happy for teammates and team success, but he DOES seem frustrated and unmotivated. It doesn't feel like he is trying and giving full effort most of the time.
But even when he gives full effort he seems a legitimate step slower than in his first three years. I think he needs to shed 20+ lbs. He will never out-athlete guys, but if he loses all his athleticism he will not be what he once was.
I do believe Luka is a good dude and teammate who loves to see others successful. At the same time, he has to realize the talent around him is nowhere close enough to being a contender. That's probably a hard pill to swallow when you've known nothing but success. Being outmatched talentwise in the Olympics when you are from a tiny country is one thing, but when you are a professional in the world's best league it's another. I mention this a lot but Luka's joy in the Olympics were reminiscent of his rookie season. We still see that joy from time to time (game winners) but it often seems like his time with the Mavericks feel more like a job than something he loves.
He does have some growing up to do. Being an athlete is a year round thing and he hasn't committed to that yet.
And even still, I start to ask myself the same question that so many asked about Dirk. Can you when you a championship with him? That's probably way too premature to think that way, but it is what it is.