12-22-2019, 02:50 PM
His defense doesn't concern me. He's improved over last year and I don't see teams going at him non stop because he's a liability. I think he plays above average defense and will improve more with time. I don't think our best player has to be a great 2 way player to win a championship as Dirk showed. I think Luka plays pretty good defense on "key" possessions. Other than the Clippers, no current team is really a defensive juggernaut. Even with the Clips, it's only when they want to be. Playoffs come down to a few possessions so if Luka can crank up the intensity the last 3 minutes or so of playoff games, he'll be fine.
All that being said I love 2 way players also, but that's not Luka's game as of now. That doesn't mean he can't become a strong defender. He's definitely never going to be a all NBA defender, but he can become good on defense. I really wanted Butler (because he's a top 2 way player) this summer even though I was in the extreme minority. I think we would be the favorites right now if we had Jimmy Butler on this team. Everyone was worried about his emotional side/baggage. He seems to be doing just fine in Miami. I think the guy hates to lose and I don't see that as a bad quality. Luka hates to lose. It just means they care. Luka will lead this team to multiple championships regardless of if he becomes a great 2 way player or not.
All that being said I love 2 way players also, but that's not Luka's game as of now. That doesn't mean he can't become a strong defender. He's definitely never going to be a all NBA defender, but he can become good on defense. I really wanted Butler (because he's a top 2 way player) this summer even though I was in the extreme minority. I think we would be the favorites right now if we had Jimmy Butler on this team. Everyone was worried about his emotional side/baggage. He seems to be doing just fine in Miami. I think the guy hates to lose and I don't see that as a bad quality. Luka hates to lose. It just means they care. Luka will lead this team to multiple championships regardless of if he becomes a great 2 way player or not.