GAME 2: Washington Wizards (0-1) vs. Dallas Mavericks (0-1) | 7:30pm CST

[hakeemfaan]

Dirk was a unicorn in more ways than one. It's nice to want a franchise player and generational talent who is also uniquely unselfish and self-motivating. However, NBA franchises, and everyone really, have to operate in material reality, with the understanding that generational talent is usually accompanied by generational ego. You either learn how to operate within that reality and maximize that talent, or you end up in the cesspool of eternal mediocrity, forever bitterly complaining how your superstars wronged you for the crime of wanting to play for franchises that actually have a clue what they're doing and don't just pray to repeatedly luck into top 5 players.

Agreed, but Bron would be the example to use there. He is a PITA and an old school guy like Riley didn't know how best to put up with that type of a player, but Bron never came out of shape. He never played just one side of the ball.   Curry is another of those who has won a handful of titles recently.  He moves so well without the ball and is always in tremendous shape, even though he is not a great defensive player.

Which player in recent years has been a total PITA , come out of shape, ball hogged and still won a lot of titles? Which player ever has done that, thinking about it?

I'm not saying this to deny how great Luka is. I absolutely know that. I look at the Luka now with the Lakers and wish that bulb had come on when he was here before the shock of getting traded woke him up. However I have to be honest.  Win or lose here, his style of play in the final years here was not something i personally enjoyed. If you're asking me if I enjoy this more, I will say I can root for these type of players more. I've rooted for worse Mavs teams in the 90s.