MAVS NEWS:

[DL2RimRocker]

"We only needed to tweak the roster a bit to get to the next level imo. Moving Maxi/OMax and a pick for a solid rotation caliber 3/4 wing was about all we  needed."

Yes, I would have liked to see it play out with Luka too.

However ... The idea that titles were inevitable if they had just continued on the same path with tweaks to upgrade is somewhat true, but ignores a MAJOR part of that expectation. To be real (rather than wishing to relive a memory that never was) the next level did require Luka to be healthy and in shape. If not, he had peaked already. I'm not saying it was a given that he was doomed to injury-plagued years and staying out of shape, but it was DEFINITELY the case for the whole 2024-25 season, and we can't assume that what we saw in 2024-25 was going to be the exception rather than the rule, either.

I also have to admit his heliocentric style may have reached its peak.
(1) The league catches up fast, when you do well, and figures out how to counter and hit your weaknesses.
(2) No matter how you upgrade the roster, if your offense is one-on-five with the rest of your team reduced to minor roles, and your defense is four-on-five (because one of your players is more interested in resting and barking at the refs with some degree of regularity), it's going to be an uphill battle to beat a team that uses all 5 players on both ends. I always assumed he would become more team oriented as he gained experience, but not sure that was ever REALLY the case.
(3) As an enjoyment feature, I am with KL that a lot of Luka's habits had gotten tiresome, especially the one where if he couldn't see a way (or didn't have the energy) to make a good play-possession, he might just settle for a step-back 3 from wherever, and sometimes early in the shot clock because he had the ball and he could. Very frustrating that he felt he would rather just chuck it rather than give the teammates or the possession a quality opportunity. This was getting worse, not better.
(4) Oh, and this part -- "Moving Maxi/OMax and a pick for a solid rotation caliber 3/4 wing was about all we  needed" -- c'mon, that's fantasy to the point of ridiculousness. As if we can just name our offer, even with mediocre assets (two barely playable guys with multi-year obligations to be saddled with), and take whatever we want to fit our needs. I have to think that if THAT was ever out there to be had, it would have happened long ago, and the instant it was offered.

Anyhow, whatever. Luka Era is over. Now I wanna see what the Flagg Era has to offer.

FG, you nailed it.

Many of the things you mention are why I was never a big Luka fan. He seems more of a showman who appears to be more motivated to display his talents than sacrificing to benefit the team as a whole.

However, you dont win championships without talent and I personally thought Nico had put together a team that complimented Luka's strengths and deficiencies very well. Sure tweaking the roster wasnt a guarantee to get to the next level, but now we will never know because it wasnt even tried. Trading Luka after getting to the championship was like punting on first down. 

And the whole out of shape argument just seems a bit out of proportion. If Luka's game was dependent on athleticism the concern would certainly be completely valid. But Luka was normally the slowest and least athletic person on the floor but still was able to get to any spot he wanted. 

I get your points and too was constantly frustrated by Luka sucking the air out of the offense by over dominating the ball. But he did provide offense and Nico miserably failed at coming anywhere close to replacing the offense we lost from him. Perhaps it will come collectively, and that is obviously what Nico is banking on, but I dont see a guy on this team who can go get a bucket when you need one like Luka could. Kyrie, at this stage of his career can be virtually shutdown with a championship caliber team's  best defender and it doesnt look too promising as you scroll down the rest of the roster regardless of how talented it is.
Jerry Sloan once said you have to have 2 greats and a good to win a championship. This team has a lot of goods and MAYBY one great depending on how he recovers. 

IDK, maybe we'll get lucky and get one like we did with Dirk. My guess is that Luka will win a championship before Nico does though.