04-05-2022, 11:09 AM
I think KP wanted to be #1 and thought that would be his role in DAL. After all, he was the one with more experience and with the All Star box checked. Luka was this 19yo wunderkind, but probably still a kind in KP's opinion. Never mind that Luka was coming in to the NBA with more accomplishments and awards than KP ever thought about. But, by the time KP was able to play, Luka had established himself as a budding supernova and KP couldn't stand the glare.
Also, there was a possible future earnings spin. In short, it was about who got credit for the basket. Currently Powell makes the dunk, but it's Luka drawing the defense with his scoring threat and making the pass for DP's score. I always thought that KP felt diminished somehow if his success depended on Luka's greatness. DAL gave KP a max contract, but if the narrative became how he was only successful because of Luka, then maybe he (or his agent) felt it would be difficult to justify a continued max position in the next one.
FWIW, I haven't spent much time thinking about KP since he packed his bags for WAS. These are spins I developed over the last two seasons as I watched the partnership fail to ignite.
Also, there was a possible future earnings spin. In short, it was about who got credit for the basket. Currently Powell makes the dunk, but it's Luka drawing the defense with his scoring threat and making the pass for DP's score. I always thought that KP felt diminished somehow if his success depended on Luka's greatness. DAL gave KP a max contract, but if the narrative became how he was only successful because of Luka, then maybe he (or his agent) felt it would be difficult to justify a continued max position in the next one.
FWIW, I haven't spent much time thinking about KP since he packed his bags for WAS. These are spins I developed over the last two seasons as I watched the partnership fail to ignite.
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