Jazz at the top, and Memphis with Kings following them up, that is a rare situation to be fair and I didn't expected that to happen at all. Let's be honest with each other and say that this wasn't the top of the standings we expected at all.
I know that it is not going to be easy to accept the situation for most people, but I rather see this type of unexpected teams to be finally at higher level than the same old teams fighting for a title every single year, that is a lot worse and it doesn't really give any entertainment but making my betting more worser this year due to lots of shocking results.
Topic: 2019 NBA Pre-Season - page 856. (Read 918873 times)
I like to think what Doncic did was shake these players on their roster. Boost them up to avoid being traded. Play harder. Be consistent. Because if they do all of those, I doubt he will request something like this again. Who knows, they might just need a little push.
I'm also thinking the same. Never seen Luka asking for a much better teammate but instead just wants them to remain consistent at all times. Even though they were able to bounce back from the Western Conference standing, unfortunately, the whole team is not consistent aside from Luka.
I posted before that if Luka will score below 25 points, the Mavericks are likely to lose that game. That was during, if I remembered correctly, around late December to early January games. Luka is a pure offensive scoring machine and that's what Mavericks have to take advantage of. His teammates should try to give him good support and the most important thing, be consistent as always.
Now his teammates literally have nothing else to do but to wait, catch, and shoot. There are times he will let them do the isolation play, like when it's Dinwiddie and Christian Wood because he does trust them to make the right play. But, they lack confidence and this is also why they struggle to find that consistency.
Dinwiddie especially, that's not how I knew him when he was in Brooklyn. He is an attacker type and it comes out a few times even dunking it to the rim but it's too rare, again, confidence. Settling for three's seems to be abused too.
I like to think what Doncic did was shake these players on their roster. Boost them up to avoid being traded. Play harder. Be consistent. Because if they do all of those, I doubt he will request something like this again. Who knows, they might just need a little push.
I'm also thinking the same. Never seen Luka asking for a much better teammate but instead just wants them to remain consistent at all times. Even though they were able to bounce back from the Western Conference standing, unfortunately, the whole team is not consistent aside from Luka.
I posted before that if Luka will score below 25 points, the Mavericks are likely to lose that game. That was during, if I remembered correctly, around late December to early January games. Luka is a pure offensive scoring machine and that's what Mavericks have to take advantage of. His teammates should try to give him good support and the most important thing, be consistent as always.
I also agree, I think what we are looking is that Luka becoming a leader and motivate this team mates. I think he also got the respect, and we all know how competitive he is, trash talking and everything but he can back it up. The thing with his team mates is that they seems to be lacking the motivation to win close game with Luka as their leader. They really need to step up otherwise, next year some of them might be in a different roster.
legendary
Activity: 2576
Merit: 1043
Need a Marketing Manager? |Telegram ID- @LT_Mouse
Either way, Doncic is the one who has a big impact of the team and the role players are performing better now compare to how they performed at the start of the season but if they want to be a playoff contender, they might tweak the roster a bit and get some better role players
I like to think what Doncic did was shake these players on their roster. Boost them up to avoid being traded. Play harder. Be consistent. Because if they do all of those, I doubt he will request something like this again. Who knows, they might just need a little push.I guess that's his way of encouraging his teammates if they really want to play with him and with the Mavericks. I mean he is the main player of the team and he already is proving it. What he needs is a bunch of talented role players that will help him get to that title. He already went to Conference Finals last season so it's good to say that he can do it again as long as his teammates step up as well.
I think it's too early for that for his career to bring a demand like that, he has not proven anything yet, like carrying his team to the finals, like what LeBron did in 07, until he realized he's not getting any help from the Cavs management.
The Mavs are in a better spot right now. Luka just need to make his teammates getting involved more offensively.
It might be too early, but there is nothing wrong with it, right? After all, that move will benefit the whole Mavericks management as they will perform better and at the same time, increase their chances of getting that title.The Mavs are in a better spot right now. Luka just need to make his teammates getting involved more offensively.
That's what the Mavericks are lacking right now. A second player who will help him offensively. Last season, he had Brunson and Dinwiddie as the 2nd and 3rd option but now, he only got Dinwiddie and Wood who isn't a prolific scorer (at least in my opinion). They need to step-up or they might get traded.
I like to think what Doncic did was shake these players on their roster. Boost them up to avoid being traded. Play harder. Be consistent. Because if they do all of those, I doubt he will request something like this again. Who knows, they might just need a little push.
I'm also thinking the same. Never seen Luka asking for a much better teammate but instead just wants them to remain consistent at all times. Even though they were able to bounce back from the Western Conference standing, unfortunately, the whole team is not consistent aside from Luka.
I posted before that if Luka will score below 25 points, the Mavericks are likely to lose that game. That was during, if I remembered correctly, around late December to early January games. Luka is a pure offensive scoring machine and that's what Mavericks have to take advantage of. His teammates should try to give him good support and the most important thing, be consistent as always.
I think it's too early for that for his career to bring a demand like that, he has not proven anything yet, like carrying his team to the finals,
No offense but that's a non-sense point of view and a bit doesn't seems right.
Do you mean with that big effort that Luka is doing for the Mavericks, he doesn't have the right to demand like that? What if he told instead the management to just trade him? If he doesn't voice out his concern when it should be?
Don't just look at the standing that the Mavericks are currently in the good spot right now. Playoff is a different environment. Remember who's only the one doing the best effort when they upset the Phoenix Suns last year and then faced the Warriors later on which they lose?
Luka just need to make his teammates getting involved more offensively.
The fact is, he always did! Look at his average dishes per game and see how many were missed by his teammates.
With the inconsistencies of his teammates, no choice for him but to always take over.
Celtics - Warriors tonight. This will be their second meet after finals last season. Warriors won that game, will this time be different? Celtics won seven in a row and stay at the top of the East, they are definitely in form. Warriors is in sixth place with 22-22. Warriors also had an awful road series this season, they won only five games out twenty two.
Jaylen Brown missed three games and is still questionable. Warriors don't have important missing player. It'll be a though match. My money is still on Celtics though.
Jaylen Brown missed three games and is still questionable. Warriors don't have important missing player. It'll be a though match. My money is still on Celtics though.
Or probably Jason Kidd is part of the problem? it seems that he can't bring the team into chemistry, just like in this game, they have a good chance to win although I have the underdog Atlanta to beat them.
And that has been the story of the Dallas, the bench is not helping, or at least if they, it's always feel short of expectations.
There is always some missing pieces and it's hard to pinpoint whether it was the coaching of the players themselves.
I highly doubt Jason Kidd is the problem. And that has been the story of the Dallas, the bench is not helping, or at least if they, it's always feel short of expectations.
There is always some missing pieces and it's hard to pinpoint whether it was the coaching of the players themselves.
Luka can make kick-out plays and all he needs is someone to shoot it perfectly given the space provided by his attack to the paint. He can absorb 2-3 defenders and that means someone will be open, but when they shoot, it's always brick or they hesitate.
Then, there's the problem on the defensive end of the floor. Luka cannot do both if he is using most of his energy on the offensive end, he needs someone to fill what is lacking from him. Just like a Draymond of Steph.
Either way, Doncic is the one who has a big impact of the team and the role players are performing better now compare to how they performed at the start of the season but if they want to be a playoff contender, they might tweak the roster a bit and get some better role players
I like to think what Doncic did was shake these players on their roster. Boost them up to avoid being traded. Play harder. Be consistent. Because if they do all of those, I doubt he will request something like this again. Who knows, they might just need a little push. 
The trade deadline is fast approaching. So far, there are no major changes in different teams. I was expecting earlier that some players in Utah will be traded for more future first-round draft picks. And as usual, there are too many writers that always bring the name of the Lakers for clout. I don't even know if the Lakers' management changed its decision to let go of another future first-round draft pick in order to get rid of Westbrook's huge contract. Another team that I am expecting to make an aggressive move is Dallas which is currently struggling with its defense. Luka Doncic badly needed help.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the Jazz already have 14 first-round draft picks after trades in the offseason. So it would be funny if they wanted even more draft picks. As for the Lakers, I don't think they'll even try to trade Westbrook before the deadline because it's unlikely other teams will be interested in him. It's easier for the Lakers to just put up with Westbrook for a few more months.
I don't know how many more first round picks they can actually take. Remember the NBA squad can only field a 15 person team. Unless they draft some international stashes for the future there's issues with trying to draft 5-7 kids every year. There is no room for that many. I actually expect them to use some of theor capital for someone who is looking to offload a star player for picks. Utah has issues getting free agents to sign there so they have to trade for theor stars.
The trade deadline is fast approaching. So far, there are no major changes in different teams. I was expecting earlier that some players in Utah will be traded for more future first-round draft picks. And as usual, there are too many writers that always bring the name of the Lakers for clout. I don't even know if the Lakers' management changed its decision to let go of another future first-round draft pick in order to get rid of Westbrook's huge contract. Another team that I am expecting to make an aggressive move is Dallas which is currently struggling with its defense. Luka Doncic badly needed help.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the Jazz already have 14 first-round draft picks after trades in the offseason. So it would be funny if they wanted even more draft picks. As for the Lakers, I don't think they'll even try to trade Westbrook before the deadline because it's unlikely other teams will be interested in him. It's easier for the Lakers to just put up with Westbrook for a few more months.
When we are talking about longevity, there is only one name that could even remotely come close which is Kareem. That dude played until over 40. We still have some time to see how Lebron will be when he is 40+ years old. However, he has been 38 for a while and lead the league in like a 10-15 game stretch on points and rebounds and assists on that period. This is nothing to scoff at, being the leader even if just in points during that period at 38 years old? Thats just crazy and unimaginable so far.
There were a lot of rumors about him using high end tech stuff to keep his body fresh, not just train and eat well with supervision of professionals which he always does, from his home cook meals to his on the road meals, everything is done with dieticians and chefs with him, but we are also talking about machinery that he gets into 1 hour a day type of stuff. This dude was spending a million dollars per year 10 years ago, might be a few million by now, just to keep him going. Thats unheard of.
His 20 year run has never been copied, nobody played for 20 years straight and on 20th year still lead the league, thats just not possible, he is the only one and I am assuming he will stay as the only one for a long time.
How about LeBron James’ triple double last night. Amazing that he’s still able to put up such huge numbers with 0 turnovers. He’s one of only three guys to ever score 45+ over the age of 35 and he’s done it more times than the other 2 combined. He’s a medical marvel the way he’s able to perform at his age. Truly something special to watch that will be looked back on someday the way we look back at Michael Jordan’s time in the league.
I can't honestly say that I'm surprised about it despite his age because the man has been pouring so many efforts since he was drafted in the NBA and his vision is so wide that he already set-up his goals since then, that's why we are seeing him investing millions worth of dollars towards his body so that he can stay fit and healthy throughout his whole career. In fact, I've haven't heard that he suffered some serious injury in his entire career that made him waste a single season. LeBron James is truly a one of a kind in his generation and a legend in the league.
He is wise investing with his health and look what he is harvesting right now, at his current age and still has that performance which is, really
something that his fans will cherish once he has already retired his jersey.
Fans will remember him as an alpha of his generation, a prime player who dominated the game where talents are really being competes by many
names around the league.
His legacy will be remembered with prime stars like Magic,Bird and Kobe and Jordan.
A couple of televised games on ESPN tonight. The first one is between the Hawks and Mavericks. Not too exciting but at least there’s Luka and Trae.
Speaking of the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic is reportedly pushing the Mavericks to be active in the trade market before the trade deadline.
He badly wants an upgrade and that's no secret even to the community.
Mavericks are not that really good at getting a good role player in the market. They are just trusting the process. And as I noticed, they are just always active in doing trades, not before the trading deadline but in the off-season. Let's see the action of Mark Cuban here and the whole Mavericks to Doncic's request.
.Anyways, Mavericks are now at the 5th spot despite having a bad start and at the bottom at the start of the season. They have many players to trade with. Hardaway Jr., Bertans, some draft picks. There are some rumors as well that Wood might not get an extension with the Mavericks thus, they might use him as well to get some players.
Either way, Doncic is the one who has a big impact of the team and the role players are performing better now compare to how they performed at the start of the season but if they want to be a playoff contender, they might tweak the roster a bit and get some better role players
Luka is just being reasonable for pushing the Mavericks management off the edge to be active in the upcoming trade to salvage the season and increase their chances to go much further than what they attained last season. Furthermore, what's the hold up when they already have what it takes to get a good role players to surround Luka in the upcoming trade. They badly need an upgrade so that Luka won't be carrying the whole team in the end, he needed someone who can balance things.
How about LeBron James’ triple double last night. Amazing that he’s still able to put up such huge numbers with 0 turnovers. He’s one of only three guys to ever score 45+ over the age of 35 and he’s done it more times than the other 2 combined. He’s a medical marvel the way he’s able to perform at his age. Truly something special to watch that will be looked back on someday the way we look back at Michael Jordan’s time in the league.
I can't honestly say that I'm surprised about it despite his age because the man has been pouring so many efforts since he was drafted in the NBA and his vision is so wide that he already set-up his goals since then, that's why we are seeing him investing millions worth of dollars towards his body so that he can stay fit and healthy throughout his whole career. In fact, I've haven't heard that he suffered some serious injury in his entire career that made him waste a single season. LeBron James is truly a one of a kind in his generation and a legend in the league.
The trade deadline is fast approaching. So far, there are no major changes in different teams. I was expecting earlier that some players in Utah will be traded for more future first-round draft picks. And as usual, there are too many writers that always bring the name of the Lakers for clout. I don't even know if the Lakers' management changed its decision to let go of another future first-round draft pick in order to get rid of Westbrook's huge contract. Another team that I am expecting to make an aggressive move is Dallas which is currently struggling with its defense. Luka Doncic badly needed help.
It seems like the Lakers might just ride out the year with what they have as opposed to making a move. There's a little talk about a trade with Toronto, but it seems like the focus is going to be letting Russ play out his contract and then getting Beal or Lillard in the offseason. This is probably the best plan to be honest, but this year will be one more punt for LeBron James. A shame because he's playing at an MVP level right now and the roster he has surrounding him either just doesn't work (Westbrook) or lacks talent. Crazy because the amount of money that Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook are making should have been enough to give LeBron a decent team.
Here's to hoping that Luka won't end up demanding a lot from the management and getting all the attention get up to his head. He's still getting better each time, and we haven't seen prime Luka Doncic yet. Hopefully the Mavs management take advantage of their current position while Luca is still happy with the current setup and build the team around him with better teammates that has the offensive power and can make plays for him as well. The man also needs to be more active in terms of leadership in order to have his team motivated to play instead of just relying on himself to win games for the team.
Not sure if he is happy or not, he is still very young and probably not demanding any at this point. But there will be a time that he might ask Cuban to surround him with better role players, who can really help and contribute not just playing just for the sake of being in the team.
He already shows that he can carry the team, but it's not always that he will have to do that because his body can only take so much in the grueling 82 games and then we have the playoff.
Asking for better teammates isn't really that much of a demand, especially if that is for the benefit of the whole franchise and not just a single player that is carrying the team on his back. Pretty sure Cuban knows that in order to win games, you need to have a good team that relies with one another, and not just one single player. Luka Doncic, while a beast in the court, is still a human after all. The Mavs wouldn't want this young talent to be fed up and leave them for a better deal, otherwise that will be a big blow to the franchise that Luka is trying to rebuild with his highlight reel performances.
The trade deadline is fast approaching. So far, there are no major changes in different teams. I was expecting earlier that some players in Utah will be traded for more future first-round draft picks. And as usual, there are too many writers that always bring the name of the Lakers for clout. I don't even know if the Lakers' management changed its decision to let go of another future first-round draft pick in order to get rid of Westbrook's huge contract. Another team that I am expecting to make an aggressive move is Dallas which is currently struggling with its defense. Luka Doncic badly needed help.
Utah Jazz? They are already filled with young players, the veterans left (Conley and Gay) would suffice to just give out some pointers about their experience.Mavs will make a move, I don't doubt Mark Cuban when Doncic says so. He badly needs some help.
Lakers too, but it may rely on a 10-day contract only if they cannot find any team who is willing to make a big trade.
Nikola Jokic, another triple-double. 90th in his career. Three consecutive streaks.
This guy is absolutely a monster. The refs messed up on that game against the Timberwolves but I am glad Murray stepped up his game while Jokic is being pounded by Knight and no whistle happened. Both Gordon and Jokic were in foul trouble, thankfully the bench is making progress at filling the holes when their stars are resting. Specifically, Zeke Nnaji.
....
Who will be traded? That's the question.
Who will be traded? That's the question.
....I don't even know if the Lakers' management changed its decision to let go of another future first-round draft pick in order to get rid of Westbrook's huge contract.
Here's the latest rumor I've read about Mavs and Lakers,Quote
Mavs receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 first-round pick
Lakers receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, Davis Bertans
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/mavs-trade-for-lakers-westbrook-why-it-makes-sense/ar-AA16w7ITLakers receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, Davis Bertans
Doncic - Westbrook doesn't look right to me but we've seen duos that plays almost the same role or style succeed in the past. I think one player has to yield for it to work if this trade pushes through.
Let's just wait for now. I'm confident that there are many talks behind closed doors and that some teams will pull the trigger in two weeks.
The trade deadline is fast approaching. So far, there are no major changes in different teams. I was expecting earlier that some players in Utah will be traded for more future first-round draft picks. And as usual, there are too many writers that always bring the name of the Lakers for clout. I don't even know if the Lakers' management changed its decision to let go of another future first-round draft pick in order to get rid of Westbrook's huge contract. Another team that I am expecting to make an aggressive move is Dallas which is currently struggling with its defense. Luka Doncic badly needed help.
This time, Trae Young didn't take many shots, but he did 12 assists and organized the team well. Everyone in the team scored, there was a very balanced distribution. Dejounte Murray scored 30 points with 67%. In Dallas, the effort of Doncic, Dinwiddie and Wood wasn't enough. Dallas lost 3 times in a row, their decline continues. Something is wrong with the team. Jason Kidd must resolve this situation. They don't get enough contributions from the bench either. Atlanta won 4 times in a row and came close to the play-off spot again. For them things are going well for now.
Or probably Jason Kidd is part of the problem? it seems that he can't bring the team into chemistry, just like in this game, they have a good chance to win although I have the underdog Atlanta to beat them.
And that has been the story of the Dallas, the bench is not helping, or at least if they, it's always feel short of expectations.
There is always some missing pieces and it's hard to pinpoint whether it was the coaching of the players themselves.
Dallas IMO is a better team with him. In terms of a roster, I think they already have a good one but most are young and do not have a good experience in the playoffs. Luka is also young, maybe Luka will only win a championship if he will follow the style of Lebron to create a super team. Right now, Dallas is not a superteam, they have the best player Luka but he is not surrounded with a consistent players.
A good example of a team that has good role players are the Nuggets, their best player is Jokic but he can rely on his teammates to help him win.
That's probably the last option but it will not make the team exciting to watch as people hate when a superstar leaves his team to join with another superstar just to ensure a championship. There's not much justice on that, look at Lebron, his fans hated him when he leave the team, but good thing he came back and win a championship, that way he was forgiven. Will Luka do the same? I don't think so.
Jump to: