MAVS NEWS:

[mvossman]

I normally hate talking head shows like this, but I feel like this clip is worth watching, once you get past the mind-nunbingly stupid Chris Canty portion. 

Everyone involved in the conversation seems to "get it," especially Udonis Haslem, who is able to (in my opinion) boil the criticism of Luka down to what's fair and based in reality. There is a TREMENDOUS amount of respect for Luka here, and even much benefit of the doubt that he will improve in the areas being discussed, but he points out (rightly, imo) that while immature frustrations with the officials and lack of defensive effort are problems that can and should be discussed, they are symptoms. The disease is conditioning. Luka must learn to compete against his opponents during the off-season. It's presented here as an obvious, matter-of-fact "this is something many young players have to learn" sort of way, and I think it's right on the money. Good watch, imo. I sure hope Jason Kidd, Kyrie, Luka's Father, etc, are all trying to help him to understand this, but the conclusion here (and one that I agree with) is that the best teacher might be the experience of getting dog-walked in the NBA finals. 

https://youtu.be/Y6T6yLVjHWU?si=T2nQ1lvLsr7IvsrF

While I agree with all of this, I think another thing that would make a difference is if he got a little more help during the regular season.  Next season's team should be a lot better than the pre TDL team, so hopefully we wont spend most of the season fighting to avoid the play in.  Another thing that would help is a legit backup point guard.  It doesn't have to be an 18 mil 6th man type, just somebody that can run the offense when necessary (particularly when one of Luka or Kyrie are out).  Something like Monte Morris for the BAE would make a big difference on his season long wear and tear.