MAVS 103, NUGGETS 89

[burekemde]

Luka has had a GREAT NBA career from a statistical standpoint (minus shooting). But from a team success standpoint it has not been nearly to the level of his international success (which is what I am comparing it to). 

I do 100% agree with you that the last steps of climbing the NBA ladder are the hardest and usually take time.

Wow. The guy has transformed Dallas from a losing tanking franchise to a playoff team every season. I would say that is a great team success! Jordan did a similar accomplishment from the first roster he joined for many years in the beginning. Obviously to winning a championship takes the next step, and this doesn't only involve a special all time great player but also the entire franchise and adding multiple right pieces around that player. So much of what happens now with Mavs and will happen from now team wise in terms of success, this is on the coaches and the owner and teammates probably much more than on Luka.

Thus, Luka has had comparable success in the NBA teamwise as he did in Europe. To win with Real is probably the same as getting Mavs to be exciting to watch and into playoffs.

He has had just as much great NBA career statistically as from a team point of view. In fact, it can only be compared to very few players in history. Yet, this is not enough for some. Even this season - still on way to playoffs and making Mavs competitive.