Mavericks Assistant Coach Thinks Teammates Don't Like To Play With Luka Doncic

According to a veteran assistant coach who chose to remain anonymous while speaking to The Ringer, there's a palpable sense of relief among Luka Doncic's teammates when he takes a breather during games.  

"It’s a sense of, ‘Hey, now we get to play.’ It’s difficult to have any rhythm if you’re not touching the ball."

The coach highlighted a perceived ball-dominance issue, suggesting that Doncic's absence allows other players more freedom to make plays, fostering a better rhythm within the team. He described it as a moment where teammates can finally say, "Hey, now we get to play." This sentiment seems to imply a challenge with Doncic's style of play, which heavily revolves around his control of the ball.

Despite Doncic's undeniable talent, his usage rate this season was still the highest in the league at 35.9%, although it was slightly lower than the previous two seasons. His assist rate also saw an increase, particularly spiking to 44.1% after the All-Star break, indicating his ability to involve his teammates in the game. 

However, the sheer volume of Doncic's offensive output is notable. He averaged an impressive 33.9 points per game on 23.6 shots, shooting at a solid 48.7% from the field. Additionally, his reliance on the three-point shot is evident, attempting 10.6 per game at a respectable 38.2% accuracy. 

Despite his scoring prowess, turnovers remain a concern, as he averages 4.0 per game, a reflection of his high usage and aggressive style of play.

Playing alongside Doncic presents challenges due to his dominance with the ball, as highlighted by the anonymous coach's remarks. However, there's no denying his status as one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA.

His remarkable skill set, which encompasses scoring, playmaking, and rebounding, makes him a formidable opponent for any team. With Luka Doncic leading the charge, the Dallas Mavericks undoubtedly have the potential to contend for an NBA title. 

His ability to elevate his teammates' performances and impact games on both ends of the floor makes him a key asset in the Mavericks' quest for championship glory. Despite the noted challenges, Doncic's talent and leadership could very well lead the Mavericks to basketball's ultimate prize.

Luka Doncic Is The LeBron James Offensive Model 2.0 

Luka Doncic's offensive game draws striking parallels to that of LeBron James, often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. While they may not share identical physical attributes or defensive prowess, their offensive approaches exhibit remarkable similarities.

Both Doncic and James possess a unique blend of playmaking and scoring abilities. They are constantly scanning the court, looking to involve their teammates while also seeking out scoring opportunities for themselves. This dual threat makes them incredibly difficult to defend against, as they can exploit defensive weaknesses with their versatile skill sets.

Doncic, often referred to as "Luka Magic," represents an evolution of the offensive model established by LeBron James. While James has long been known as a triple-double threat, Doncic takes this concept to another level, consistently flirting with triple-doubles and often achieving them with remarkable frequency.

A notable distinction between the two is their usage rate, a metric that quantifies the percentage of a team's possessions that a player uses while on the court. LeBron James has never exceeded a usage rate of more than 33.5% throughout his illustrious 21-year career. 

In contrast, Luka Doncic has eclipsed the 35% mark in five out of his six NBA seasons, with two of those years seeing him surpassing 37%. This statistic underscores Doncic's elevated level of offensive responsibility and his integral role in his team's success.

While some may question the sustainability of such a high usage rate, it's undeniable that your best players should have the ball in their hands when it matters most. LeBron James has proven this concept, winning four NBA championships while shouldering a significant offensive burden.

As for Luka Doncic, despite not yet securing an NBA title, he possesses all the tools necessary for championship success. With a talented supporting cast and another superstar in Kyrie Irving, Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks have a genuine opportunity to compete for the ultimate prize. 

As Doncic continues to refine his game and assert himself as a dominant force in the league, the possibility of him capturing his first championship remains within reach.