In just three and a half seasons, Luka Doncic has emerged as one of the best young players in the NBA.
Unfortunately, the 2x All-Star seems to have a problem staying in shape.
In an appearance on ‘The Lowe Post’ podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon shared some rather surprising news on Dallas’ premier player.
MacMahon: “[Luka] has to stop reporting at 260+ lbs and playing his way into shape. That cannot be an annual storyline. He got off to a slow start last year—“
Lowe: “I’m sorry, what was the figure you just gave?!”
MacMahon: “260+. He has to stop doing that.”
Doncic, 22, was drafted 3rd in the 2018 NBA Draft. And while he rose to stardom almost immediately, he starts off each season rather slow before picking it up and playing better towards the end.
Unfortunately, that has been the case this season as well. So far, despite a career-high in minutes per game, Luka is putting up some of his worst numbers since his rookie year. Through 18 games, he’s averaging 25.4 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game on 44% shooting.
The most concerning statistic of all, however, is Luka’s on/off numbers, which expose the brutal reality of his performance this year.
Yes, Luka Doncic’s on/off splits this season are stunning.
The Mavs have been outscored by 110 points with Doncic on the floor this season. The only player in the NBA on a winning team with a worse plus/minus is Kemba Walker (-122)
Dallas agreed to pay Doncic roughly $205 million over the next five years, proving that the front office believes he can be the star that leads them to their next Championship.
With him, Kristaps Porzingis, Jalen Brunson, and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Mavs have a roster that can compete with anyone in the West.
But until Luka can get better defensively, and stop showing up to training camp out of shape, the team is never going to meet their potential. This season, with a record of 11-11, the Mavericks are being reminded of that fact.
