Last night's 107-91 loss to the Pels is yet another candidate for most disappointing game of the season.
Not sure if any others feel this way but Luka is a big part of the problem. This team can't be taken seriously if he's not going to play defense and show some maturity as a leader on the offensive end. He hammed it up when they got a big lead in the first matchup and he didn't respect the game in the rematch.
It may be time to call it like we see it. Luka took bad shots, turned the ball over, constantly complained to the refs, faked getting hit and injured, and didn't play defense. And it's not the first time.
Luka is clearly the Mavs best player .... but he's failing as a leader.
KP has some leadership skills but by all accounts he's struggled with confidence and is just trying to reestablish himself as a valuable contributor to winning. He doesn't yet have the credibility to lead this team and he hasn't shown he can stay healthy.
THJ was anointed a leader but he's played himself onto the bench and is Exhibit A of guys who don't play defense if shots aren't dropping. He's hunting shots, and usually missing.
Brunson seems to be quietly playing for himself. He's scoring well but doesn't play much defense. And as a classic second-round-hard-working-chip-on-his-shoulder type guy, something tells me it may be difficult for him to truly respect at a kid like Doncic, with all the talent in the world, who doesn't work on his body or give full effort every night.
Powell can only lead by example of his hard work if he's playing well .... but he's not.
Dorian seems like the most mature guy on the floor at times but he's just a do-it-all hustle player. It's laughable to expect him or Kleber to lead a playoff team.
I'll add that I fully expect Doncic to play like a beast against Memphis tonight. He may get a 30pt triple double. But that won't fix the leadership problem.
I already know Luka can light up a box score. I know he can put the team on his back and will them to a win. But so could Bradley Beal on a bad Wiz team. Lavine, Townes, Booker before Paul. Lots of guys can put up numbers. I need to see some maturity and leadership.
To be clear, I'm not ready to say Luka is the next Beal or Townes ... those guys have struggled to even make the playoffs.
But if we're being honest, this year's Mavs don't look any better than Washington or Minnesota, and Luka is clearly having the worst season of his career.
The Mavs are inconsistent, lacking direction, only one or two losses out of a play-in spot, and moving into a difficult part of the schedule.
I think Luka's leadership might be part of the problem, sure.
But, he's 22. I think we're seeing why teams built around 22 year olds don't really succeed. He has already accomplished so much, and I have thought for years that the expectations for him have been a little too high, considering his age. But, then again, he keeps producing, and has completely changed the trajectory of an entire franchise. I think it's important that we don't lose sight of that, even as we start to be more critical of him, which will justifiably happen as time passes.
All of the criticisms of Luka - conditioning, arguing with the refs, playing lazy at times - they all hold a certain amount of water. They're all valid, to a point. I don't think they're THE problems with the team, nor do I think the roster around him is THE problem, although the lack of alignment between how the roster is constructed and how the new coach wants his team to play might be pretty high on the list.
Speaking of coaches, all of these Luka problems were noticed in prior seasons, too. For whatever reason, they didn't seem like such insurmountable "defcon 2" issues back then. The offense was amazing. For me, the most glaring difference from prior seasons to this one is the number of major changes to the coaching staff. The offense has changed. The defense has changed. We've read reports that the "tone" of practice has changed. Maybe a young team like this shouldn't be allowed to have "loose" practices?
Optimistically, I'll continue to hope that these are just growing pains. A "feeling out" process between the team and new coaching staff. But, it's undeniably true now that both the team and staff are relatively "young" in experience, from certain angles. It's possible that one or both parts of that equation are simply not up to the task.
Regardless, the team was never going to be a true contender until its best player reached a more mature place. I am around 22 year olds all the time for work, and I don't care how great they are at what they do or how long they have done it, they're kids. They literally don't think the way mature adults do. In the NBA, players are in their primes from about 28-32, give or take a few years. Whichever team gets Luka on his next contract is really, truly going to be lucky to have him. I sure hope it's the Mavericks, and I sure hope they're set up for success on both the coaching staff and roster side of things by then.
None of this is to say that all of this is pointless until Luka gets older. I 100% agree that the team should be better than it is right now. But, pinning all of your hopes, including superstar level play, franchise/locker room leadership, recruitment, etc, etc, to a 22 year old who isn't even from this country is probably the best way to ensure that he gets sick of carrying your water and looks for a better run organization when the time comes, imo.
Bottom line - the Mavericks aren't a very well run organization, and haven't been for a long, long time. Luka can single handedly raise their ceiling and expectations, but he can't single-handedly make up for all of it.
Exceptional post, Killer.
Unfortunately, if this team doesn't make it to the second round of the playoffs the narrative around Luka is going to change a lot. The expectations for him may be totally unrealistic for a 22 year-old... but they exist nonetheless. I see storm clouds on the horizon.
(12-04-2021, 10:44 AM)vfromlmf Wrote: [ -> ]
Last night's 107-91 loss to the Pels is yet another candidate for most disappointing game of the season.
Not sure if any others feel this way but Luka is a big part of the problem. This team can't be taken seriously if he's not going to play defense and show some maturity as a leader on the offensive end. He hammed it up when they got a big lead in the first matchup and he didn't respect the game in the rematch.
It may be time to call it like we see it. Luka took bad shots, turned the ball over, constantly complained to the refs, faked getting hit and injured, and didn't play defense. And it's not the first time.
Luka is clearly the Mavs best player .... but he's failing as a leader.
I wouldn't use the phraseology of "failing" as a leader. Maybe more a case of misplaced expectations, if they were really relying on Luka to do this.
Regarding expecting Luka to be a tribal chief passing on the wisdom of the ages to his team (not that you said exactly this, OP), I'm not sure that goal is entirely realistic. The point is often made that it is very hard to find a title team whose best player is under 25. For one thing, very young players inherently don't have as much NBA experience as the salty old veterans. Second, they're, well, very young. It's a biological fact that the brains of young men don't fully mature until their mid-twenties. Luka is perfectly capable of leading in the sense of running the offense, but the Yoda role probably needs to be fulfilled by someone older. (Which I don't read you as disagreeing with.)
KP has some leadership skills but by all accounts he's struggled with confidence and is just trying to reestablish himself as a valuable contributor to winning. He doesn't yet have the credibility to lead this team and he hasn't shown he can stay healthy.
THJ was anointed a leader but he's played himself onto the bench and is Exhibit A of guys who don't play defense if shots aren't dropping. He's hunting shots, and usually missing.
Brunson seems to be quietly playing for himself. He's scoring well but doesn't play much defense. And as a classic second-round-hard-working-chip-on-his-shoulder type guy, something tells me it may be difficult for him to truly respect at a kid like Doncic, with all the talent in the world, who doesn't work on his body or give full effort every night.
I have never heard anything to the effect that Brunson has no respect for Luka. (Or that any other Mav disrespects Luka, for that matter.) It is totally possible to deeply respect and admire a guy's talents and skills and character, even if the guy isn't perfect. Have you received an indication that the other players are viewing Luka and his body/effort with disgust? It is one thing to acknowledge that Luka probably doesn't have the age and experience to be the veteran leader. It's an entirely different thing to say that Luka's teammates think that Luka is unworthy of respect.
Powell can only lead by example of his hard work if he's playing well .... but he's not.
Dorian seems like the most mature guy on the floor at times but he's just a do-it-all hustle player. It's laughable to expect him or Kleber to lead a playoff team.
Some good points made here. I would buy that the Mavs don't have that "old head" in the room to keep them pointed in the right direction. Ideally, the coaching staff could provide that, but if the team is tuning them out to an extent, then maybe it needs to come from a player.
In the meantime, it's probably going to take a few years for Luka to evolve into a Chris Paul-like savant.
It is what it is. At this point we just have to hope things even out as the season goes on. Although, the Mavs need to find two additions this year soon. One ,is hopefully Goran. But time will tell if he has much left in his game or if he wants to come to a middle tier team. Adding another guy who knows how to run teams will help. As I have said since the offseason, I would start Jalen and bring Hardaway and Goran off the bench.
The other thing they need is a center. I don't really care if it is a skilled big man like Olynk or a bruiser type like Favors. Just find an upgrade. Lets see if Kidd's vision of KP at PF can work. We need that answer this year before we decide to invest in another front court player. It won't work with our current centers. There should be several center types who teams will be fine discarding for not much of anything. If that player has a few years left on his deal, well that needs to be a discussion. But they need to find a way to upgrade that spot pretty soon.
Luka
Jalen
DFS
KP
added center
Hardaway
Goran-if bought out
Maxi
Bullock/Frank
That is your 9/10 man rotation. Not perfect but adding those type of players helps stabilize things a little imo.
I know one thing if I turn on the tv and see DFS, Bullock, Powell and Maxi as four of our starters again, I will be immediately turning off the tv.
(12-04-2021, 11:25 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: [ -> ]Regarding expecting Luka to be a tribal chief passing on the wisdom of the ages to his team (not that you said exactly this, OP), I'm not sure that goal is entirely realistic.
No, I just expect Luka to give effort on both ends and play the game the right way. This team has lost six of eight and the last three at home. Cut out the showboating and histrionics. It's not a good look.
(12-04-2021, 11:25 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: [ -> ]I have never heard anything to the effect that Brunson has no respect for Luka.
I'm just pointing out they're very very different players. Brunson is an all-business worker who has turned himself into a pretty good rotation player. He certainly has qualities you look for in a leader. He's older and more mature .... but he's the backup. I'm sure Brunson respects Luka's talent but I guess it might be hard for him to look to the kid for leadership, especially when he doesn't consistently bring full effort on/off the floor.
I think Killer made an excellent post and I totally agree with it. Luka is 22 years old and Mavs front office has done basically nothing to help him. He should be accountable but FO is really the last in line able to do that, based on their total failure to do their job. One of the reasons I was calling to bring in a guy like Lowry, a respected vet leader. Interestingly enough same people who were so much against that move (Lowry is overpaid arguments) are pointing out the maturity problems.
Luka is a guy who lives for challenges based on all reports. A game against league bottom feeder who they just beat by 30 two days ago is basically the further away from called a challenge. We have seen him like this several times last season against bottom feeders. You have two options. You can cry about it and wait for him to mature or you can help him. Mavs obviously chose the first option, intentionally or not. The sad part is that Mavs don't have enough depth to battle through this kind of games.
I pointed out in the preseason, how low ceiling this team has. They need superstar Luka to be able to win, even against the likes of NO. I can't understand how one could think this team is good enough to contend. The problem is not Luka, it is not coaching stuff (although they could be accountable for drastic offensive efficiency drop), it is not the rest of players. It is a simple fact that this team is not good enough, which was obvious in the summer already.
(12-04-2021, 11:12 AM)vfromlmf Wrote: [ -> ]Unfortunately, if this team doesn't make it to the second round of the playoffs the narrative around Luka is going to change a lot.
I certainly agree with that.
Dirk went through it, too. It's just part of the process for most of these guys, I suppose.
Thanks to Kamm for pointing out that excellent podcast. I have read that article a few times and somehow always skipped that part. It was wonderful listening to JJB.
Killer. The offense might be different but my problem even the last few years when everyone was praising the offense was that it seemed to break down more often than not in close game situations against good teams. Everyone was anointing Luka as this savant PG and yet in those situations the ball was sticking too much in his hands and there were quite a few poor decisions. I always looked at that as fool’s gold because no matter how you play for 40 mins it seems to come down to half court defense and offense. The Mavs just seem poor at both those aspects.
That’s why I am willing to give Kidd a longer leash and see where this goes.
As for Luka’s work ethic or other failings at this point you just have to hope he matures. Sure Kidd can bench him if he feels he is hurting the team but this gen doesn’t work with those types of coaching. He is still an uber talent. Have to try other ways to reach him if work ethic is indeed an issue.
(12-04-2021, 12:40 PM)hakeemfaan Wrote: [ -> ]Killer. The offense might be different but my problem even the last few years when everyone was praising the offense was that it seemed to break down more often than not in close game situations against good teams. Everyone was anointing Luka as this savant PG and yet in those situations the ball was sticking too much in his hands and there were quite a few poor decisions. I always looked at that as fool’s gold because no matter how you play for 40 mins it seems to come down to half court defense and offense.
I don't disagree, but
this offense can't function in a regular season game against New Orleans. So, to me, that's worse, not better. Still time for it to improve, of course - no panicking here.
I don't mind some of what's being attempted, philosophically, but I do think they've moved a little too far away from the state of the art spacing that made Luka so successful so quickly, and I do think there's a bit too much of a green light from the midrange. Brunson and Luka are both GREAT in the midrange, imo. Burke has his moments. Hardaway, KP, Bullock? Nah, those are wasted possessions.
(12-04-2021, 12:04 PM)vfromlmf Wrote: [ -> ]No, I just expect Luka to give effort on both ends and play the game the right way. This team has lost six of eight and the last three at home. Cut out the showboating and histrionics. It's not a good look.
Granted, Luka and every other player should give effort on both ends and play the game the right way. Are we straying here from assessing whether Luka is the wise old leader who can show others the ropes and getting into assessing whether Luka is a good player on the court? One could be a wise leader and not be one of the best players, and vice versa.
I'm just pointing out they're very very different players. Brunson is an all-business worker who has turned himself into a pretty good rotation player. He certainly has qualities you look for in a leader. He's older and more mature .... but he's the backup. I'm sure Brunson respects Luka's talent but I guess it might be hard for him to look to the kid for leadership, especially when he doesn't consistently bring full effort on/off the floor.
Not sure exactly what you mean by looking to the kid for leadership. Do you mean it is hard for Brunson to cooperate with Luka when Luka is running point? Or that it is hard for Brunson to go to Luka for advice on conditioning, effort, etc.? It seems to me that Brunson respects Luka enough for them to be a good team. Has Brunson said something?
I would make two additional points about effort. "Full effort" is pretty much a myth. No one in sports or life gives total effort to his job every minute of every day. There can be all kinds of good reasons for that -- person isn't physically 100%, the task being done doesn't require pushing the pedal to the metal, the sheer human impossibility of sustaining operating at full blast all the time, etc. If a person gives effort sufficient to accomplish the task at hand, I don't know what good burning extra fuel adds. Not saying Luka gives adequate effort to the task each and every possession on the court. Neither does Brunson. Neither does anyone. Luka should try as hard as is necessary, for sure.
The other point is that effort is very important. However, it's not the most important thing. It's possible that Guy A at 80% is more effective than Guy B at 100%. That's a common thing, really. That's not to excuse Guy A operating at 80% if, for example, 90% is required, but I guess it is an expression of puzzlement that Brunson would think he is in a position to sneer at Luka. (And I actually think he has a good attitude toward Luka.)
Overall, I thought you made a convincing point that Luka is not the wise old head type of guy that players can rely on for that type of leadership. In my personal opinion, that is not something that can be fairly expected of him at age 22. Ergo, as you suggest, they need an older guy who can play that role if the coaching staff can't cover it. Point taken!
I think this is a HUGE issue and have been posting about it for a year.
Some posts from me on the subject:
From Dec 29, 2020...
Quote:1) Luka is not yet the leader he should be.
2) I think the Mavs purposely moved on from JJB to create a leadership vacuum that they are challenging Luka to fill.
Luka is going to have some growing pains as he learns to lead, but he is going to learn by doing it. I think the Mavs are purposely saying, "This is your team. Lead. Step up. It has to be you."
From Jan 23, 2021...
Quote:RC is actually giving Luka a ton of freedom to grow into the leader and on-court coach for this team. I think he wants Luka to be what Kidd was for the championship team. I think Luka is not ready for that yet, or maybe it is better to say Luka is struggling in taking on that burden so far. I don't think Luka is the leader he needs to be yet for this team, and my read is that for better or worse RC is choosing to step aside and give him the room to work that out for himself (I think JJB moving on was purposeful by the Mavs to create a leadership vacuum that Luka HAD to fill).
In this game I would like to have seen Luka step up his own energy and get in the faces of his guys when the Rockets players came out much hungrier than them. Luka spends too much time talking to the refs when he should be encouraging and getting his own guys to step up with more energy. Luka cannot control the refs, but he can control his response to them, his energy on the court, and his encouragement and leadership of his team. That needs to be his on-court focus, ignore those blind fools in stripes.
Long story, short, I think the Mavs have a team leadership issue. RC is creating the space and environment for Luka to be that and Luka is still young and immature and not performing well at his leadership role yet. I am confident he will grow and get there in the coming years, but I think his failure to be the leader he needs to be is the overall issue with this team (greater than the talent holes IMO) from my humble and limited perspective.
On Feb 2, 2021...
Quote:I have been beating the "leadership" drum for awhile as maybe the most central issue on the team and that Luka hasn't been able to fill that void as the Mavs and as RC have been asking.
It might stem some from the locker room issues during Luka's rookie campaign with DAJ and Wes, etc. I think Luka manifests very naturally some incredible "alpha dog" traits on the court but I think he does not channel those properly as a alpha leader should, especially off the court or during timeouts. I assume this created some of the weirdness that made the DAJ/Wes drama. I think the Mavs want EVERY player that ever walks into their organization moving forward to know that this is LUKA'S team, no ifs, ands, or buts. But for that to work they need Luka to stop acting like a child and start being a man who is going to lead the team. I think the Mavs think that the only way Luka is going to mature the way he needs to is if he bears the weight and consequences of his leadership (no more coddling or enabling him). They might be purposely allowing him to fail so that he will mature to what they know he needs to be. RC might in a sense be NOT saving this team from this losing streak, giving Luka room to step up and say enough is enough.
For the record, I think giving Luka the leadership responsibility was the right choice from my very limited perspective. I believe very strongly in growth through tribulation and am very grateful they aren't going to let Luka be a "child" for the next 4-5 years. As some Slovenian posters have observed, he is basically a spoiled rich kid who comes from a TON of privilege (which is unlike MANY NBA players) and I think the Mavs are approaching Luka with that in mind.
Great points @"vfromlmf".
There are many ways to lead a team. Some players are vocal. Some lead by example. Sometimes it is coming from the best players. Sometimes teams have a glue guy that provides the leadership. Best example. The Warriors. Curry is the best player. Draymond is the leader.
As mentioned. The Mavs have a few guys that lead by example. Powell´s work ethic. DFS hustle. They have players that are important for the team chemistry. THJ´s is probably a top 3 hug guy in the league. Talking about in game leadership KP is probably the most vocal guy. He tries to lead the defense and directs his teammates.
What they lack is accountability. On both ends but especially on defense. When a Warriors player misses a rotation Draymond is going to chew him out. When the Celtics mess up Smart is going to do the same. Doesn´t matter if it is a rookie or the star player.
I don´t see that kind of player on the Mavs roster. And even worse. I don´t see any of it coming from the coaching staff.
It´s obviously not an easy topic. Different players require different treatment. Some can deal with it. Other´s don´t. Remember Butler with the Wolves. He was a terrible teammate and needed to go to give Towns and Wiggins the freedom to develop. Turns out that the only thing he did was chewing them out for their lazy defense and work ethic. And he was right. Butler´s Heat team went to the finals and Wiggins finally learned his lesson, was traded and played the best basketball of his career next to Draymond. Towns on the other hand is still putting up numbers and playing lazy defense on a bad Wolves team.
The lack of accountability is concerning. Especially when it comes to Luka. If Curry would play with a similar attitude Draymond would eat him alife. But the Mavs have no one on the roster or staff that can do the same. But that is where it starts. If the best player and face of the team isn´t trying that sends a message to his teammates. Two options to fix this. Luka himself matures, steps up and grows into the leadership role. Someone else holds him accountable.
(12-04-2021, 01:55 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: [ -> ]Two options to fix this. Luka himself matures, steps up and grows into the leadership role. Someone else holds him accountable.
I think this is correct.....but I fear that the second option isn't really an option right now, as in I am not sure Luka is willing to submit to another player or coach in this manner right now. I think RC knew he couldn't be that for Luka or he would get himself fired. I feel like Kidd has been pussy-footing around Luka his whole time here until last night. First time I have seen some teeth from Kidd toward Luka. Let's see what happens.
(12-04-2021, 01:55 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: [ -> ]Great points @"vfromlmf".
There are many ways to lead a team. Some players are vocal. Some lead by example. Sometimes it is coming from the best players. Sometimes teams have a glue guy that provides the leadership. Best example. The Warriors. Curry is the best player. Draymond is the leader.
As mentioned. The Mavs have a few guys that lead by example. Powell´s work ethic. DFS hustle. They have players that are important for the team chemistry. THJ´s is probably a top 3 hug guy in the league. Talking about in game leadership KP is probably the most vocal guy. He tries to lead the defense and directs his teammates.
What they lack is accountability. On both ends but especially on defense. When a Warriors player misses a rotation Draymond is going to chew him out. When the Celtics mess up Smart is going to do the same. Doesn´t matter if it is a rookie or the star player.
I don´t see that kind of player on the Mavs roster. And even worse. I don´t see any of it from coming from the coaching staff.
It´s obviously not an easy topic. Different players require different treatment. Some can deal with. Other´s don´t. Remember Butler with the Wolves. He was a terrible teammate and needed to go to give Towns and Wiggins the freedom to develop. Turns out that the only thing he did was chewing them out for their lazy defense and work ethic. And he was right. Butler´s Heat team went to the finals and Wiggins finally learned his lesson, was traded and played the best basketball of his career next to Draymond. Towns on the other hand is still putting up numbers and playing lazy defense on a bad Wolves team.
The lack of accountability is concerning. Especially when it comes to Luka. If Curry would play with a similar attitude Draymond would eat him alife. But the Mavs have no one on the roster or staff that can do the same. But that is where it starts. If the best player and face of the team isn´t trying that sends a message to his teammates. Two options to fix this. Luka himself matures, steps up and grows into the leadership role. Someone else holds him accountable.
Absolutely. Perfectly said.
Can't blame the 22-year-old for not policing himself, imho. After all, he has risen to global icon status just by doing everything that comes naturally to him, right?
The blame for this, if it is the important problem we're starting to think, is on the organization.
I've written this at least 20 times in this forum: giving Luka the keys to the franchise as a means to avoid being Cleveland/Lebron is the absolute best way to ensure this will all end up just like Cleveland/Lebron. Give him the kind of structure Miami has - that type of professionalism and organizational synergy - and he'll eventually find the perfect way to fit into the franchise role you have in mind for him. Instead, what they're doing is the same thing they did with Dirk. "Hey, we've got Luka, so it really doesn't matter what else we get right or wrong. We're blessed!" That's my interpretation of their approach, anyway.
(12-04-2021, 01:58 PM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]I think this is correct.....but I fear that the second option isn't really an option right now, as in I am not sure Luka is willing to submit to another player or coach in this manner right now. I think RC knew he couldn't be that for Luka or he would get himself fired. I feel like Kidd has been pussy-footing around Luka his whole time here until last night. First time I have seen some teeth from Kidd toward Luka. Let's see what happens.
I think you're right about the above.
And I know you're not saying otherwise, but imho, there's simply no point in trying to avoid confrontation with anyone not doing what they need to do in order for the
team to be successful, even a global phenom. If he leaves, he leaves.
The problem is that people want to keep their jobs in the meantime.
Luka is not a leader. It is going to be hard for grown ass men to follow someone his age in the first place. We had the glimpses of greatness and Luka magic his first season. We had the massive leap the second season. We had the mostly lived up to expectations of his third season. That's going to inspire confidence but then we have this season. Some of his shine has worn off. He seemingly didn't add any tools to his utility belt this season and brought back a lot of his bad habits. You want to be led by someone who continually comes into the season out of shape? Someone who takes so many low percentage threes? Someone who's free throw percentage continues to get worse? Someone who turns the ball over more and more with every passing season? Someone who doesn't care about defense and leaves you playing four on five (basically giving up break opportunities because he has to cry to refs)? Dude got paid and and it looks like his commitment to basketball is at an all time low. Saying he has a lot of growing up to do is ultra charitable.
Yet, part of me doesn't blame him. He isn't stupid. He can see as well as any of us that this team's construction isn't going to let them compete and that's not going to change any time soon.
Best leaders on the team? I think KP has all the traits you want, but has to defer to Luka and doesn't suit up enough. Everyone else I wouldn't consider a leader either. THJ, DFS, Maxi, Bobi, and Powell are good dudes and hard workers, but they aren't leaders of men. And that's really the saving grace, we don't have bad eggs on the team. Everyone wants to do well for each other because they all get along, but that's not leadership. Luka needs to be that person but he is miles away from it.
(12-04-2021, 02:07 PM)cow Wrote: [ -> ]Best leaders on the team? I think KP has all the traits you want, but has to defer to Luka and doesn't suit up enough. Everyone else I wouldn't consider a leader either. THJ, DFS, Maxi, Bobi, and Powell are good dudes and hard workers, but they aren't leaders of men. And that's really the saving grace, we don't have bad eggs on the team. Everyone wants to do well for each other because they all get along, but that's not leadership. Luka needs to be that person but he is miles away from it.
For sure.
That's why many of us were excited for Lowry. Someone in the locker room with some cache and a rep around the league who knows how special Luka is but doesn't have to back down from anyone is
exactly what this thing needs.
I think @"dirkfansince1998"'s Draymond Green example is a great one. You put that guy on this team and as long as he and the head coach are on the same page you've really got something, imo.
KP could grow into that type, but as you said, he's simply not a consistent enough presence to get there, imo.
(12-04-2021, 02:11 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: [ -> ]I think @"dirkfansince1998"'s Draymond Green example is a great one. You put that guy on this team and as long as he and the head coach are on the same page you've really got something, imo.
I was hoping we could get him in GSW/Draymond's down season in 19-20. He just brings so many intangibles to a team but he holds everyone accountable and would do more to help develop our teams defense than any coach you could bring in. Plus he loves Luka.