(02-22-2022, 04:57 PM)michaeltex Wrote: You may be correct.
All I know is, I'd rather Luka start a little slow then build toward a peak in May/June than the other way around. My hope is he starts from a little higher place next fall.
He now looks like he's back to the jaw-dropping phenom we all are here to see. I hope he takes it to heart that this is HIS team now. Luka doesn't need to score 40+ every game, but the threat of that is going to make his teammates jobs easier.
Exactly. The key is the playoffs. The team should respect that Luka is tired after having no offseason and before then carrying the Mavs through tough playoff stretches against teams like the Clippers. Fans should have some understanding of that, and not go in full panic mode immediately and suggesting even to trade Luka.
Fully normal to have tired legs early and reach the peak again before playoffs. Fans and even "experts" will misinterpret this as diet and being fat. But if it was that it would certainly not change in terms of few weeks time. Majority of that is due to not having an offseason and early injuries and COVID. There may be smaller impact by diet but he is 22. No offseason and injuries are the major impact.
All i know is that Luka is having fresh legs for playoffs, every single season, and that's all that matters. I dont mind the early season games at all, as they dont carry the same impact at all. And Luka was absolutely terrific in those as well. Thus, I see no issue here and why this is discussed as heavely and brought up by the media. If it was the other way around, as you mention, and Luka started on fire and then cooled down before playoffs - this would then be something to worry about.