The entire basketball world is still in disbelief with how things have unfolded for Luka Doncic.
Universally deemed as an untouchable piece due to his generational talent, the Slovenian phenom was suddenly dealt by the Dallas Mavericks in a stunning mega deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Even though they acquired a package that contains Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick, parting ways with Luka Doncic is viewed as a bizarre move – a player who led them in the past seven years including an NBA Finals run from last year.
Many experts such as Bill Simmons have ripped the Mavs — specifically general manager Nico Harrison — for delivering an astounding decision to end their run with Doncic, who has been emotional regarding his unforeseen exit.
For some familiar, yet odd reasons, the Mavericks have suddenly decided to cut ties with Doncic.
Per sources, Dallas grew concerned over Doncic’s conditioning throughout the years which teammate Markieff Morris blatantly dismissed. Amid his injury record, the Mavericks became wary as it prompted them to evade being in the similar position of the Philadelphia 76ers about the injury-stricken Joel Embiid.
And in the eyes of Reggie Miller, it’s completely unjustifiable how the Mavericks have created negative narratives around Doncic out of these.
“One thing I’ve taken offense to a little bit, because I was critical of Luka too.,I felt that he needed to be in better shape. But I don’t like the character assassination on him floating from the Mavericks, if it’s coming from the Mavericks, about the reason why we traded him,” the NBA legend said in an appearance in NBA TV.
“You guys know this at least, I hope you do. You don’t become a first team, a First Team All-NBA player five years in a row if you’re not in shape. So please stop the character assassination that this guy’s out of shape.”
Since he entered the NBA, Doncic constantly faced questions and criticisms regarding his weight. Yet it has had bearing on his production.
As pointed out by Miller, Doncic boasts a pair of five All-NBA Selections and All-Star honors. Despite well-known conditioning issues, he remains as one of the best players in the world.
It only shows how Luka is simply a rare talent. And the Mavericks indicating that he’s a risky asset due to not being in shape doesn’t entirely make sense, as further argued by Miller.
“I don’t like that, because you don’t get at the level at the age of 25 without doing what he’s done. So, there’s other things behind the scenes that I’m sure we don’t know about,” Miller added.
“But let’s not make it about conditioning because that’s not. … You don’t get to where he’s at, being a first team all NBA player, five years in a row. At the age of 25 by not being in shape.”
Time will only tell if the Mavericks will either regret their decision or not about giving up on Doncic.
