12-20-2025, 02:14 PM
(12-20-2025, 02:05 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I agree with this, overall, but I've actually wondered about the "casual fans" point you made. Part of me thinks the athletic component of Flagg's game (reminds me a little of young Blake Griffin at times with the dunking) might be MORE flashy for that type, not less. My father, for example, follows the team, but doesn't have nearly as nuanced an understanding of the sport as I do, let alone league politics, cap rules, long term roster building, etc. I can tell you he's already a much bigger believer in Flagg than he ever was in Luka. For that type of fan, at least some of them, the whiny stuff from Luka...the lack of defensive effort at times...even the step back threes that didn't go in, believe it or not...idk, I think a pretty significant sect of that type of fan didn't buy into Luka as much as we did. Meanwhile, Flagg is driving the lane for monster dunks on a nightly basis, blocking shots, etc. It's easier to SEE his impact on the game at times, especially relative to some of Luka's bad shooting nights. I just don't think every fan appreciated the "manipulate the entire defense" part of Luka's bag as much as we hardcore fans could.
Just a theory.
As a fan I want Championship rings. Watching Luka, other than the one incredible finals run, it just never seemed like a formula that would win. Similar to the Nash Suns teams. Incredible flash, no resilience.
Luka is one of the most amazing players who will ever play. Ever.
But give me Tim Duncan every day of the week. That's the kind of all-around player Flagg is. People don't understand how good he is. I can tell because people say things like "he's better than I thought he'd be at this point."
No, he is incredibly good. One of the top 3 18 years old in basketball history.