Luka: "I think defense has got to be way better for me"

[90sgoat]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33991255/as-playoff-run-ends-luka-doncic-says-improving-defense-take-dallas-mavericks-next-level


"I think defense has got to be way better for me," said Doncic, who was frequently targeted by playoff opponents. "Honestly, I think I made a huge step this year defensively, but there's so much room for improvement. I've got to be way better there. I think that's one spot that can take us to the next level."

Pretty much agree with that, huge improvement in defense already, but needs to do even more.

It's good to hear he has enough self accountability to admit weaknesses like this.

I believe Luka will come back being better at defense, he's improved noticeably each season so far.

[8Ball]

He needs to get into better shape to play on both ends.

2nd year in a row he comes into camp 260 lbs with a big belly showing.

If he goes back to Serbia to eat roast pig and bear with his friends nothing will change.

He needs to fly to LA and train with Bran.

[Phoenix]

Yep, needs to be in better shape. His ball usage is so high it's not leaving any energy for the other side, and his general conditioning perpetuates it. Kidd's an ideal coach for him in that respect( and in general).

[BarberSchool]

No Sh!t, Chubb Rock.

[BarberSchool]

He needs to get into better shape to play on both ends.

2nd year in a row he comes into camp 260 lbs with a big belly showing.

If he goes back to Serbia to eat roast pig and bear with his friends nothing will change.

He needs to fly to LA and train with Bran.it’s not roasted animal that’s the problem. It’s enormous amounts of carbs and sweets.

[90sgoat]

it’s not roasted animal that’s the problem. It’s enormous amounts of carbs and sweets.

Yeah, pizza and coke I imagine and maybe beers.

It's pretty easy to eat obscene amounts of calories in pizza.

A regular Dominos pizza is like 3000 cals and you can eat one of those by yourself EASY. You add some cake/sweets, a handful of beers and you're looking at like 5000 cals in itself.

No wonder people get fat.

Guys like Luka and Jokic need to be on intermittent fasting and Low Carb, it's the only cure for big dudes who like to eat.

[Bronbron23]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33991255/as-playoff-run-ends-luka-doncic-says-improving-defense-take-dallas-mavericks-next-level



Pretty much agree with that, huge improvement in defense already, but needs to do even more.

It's good to hear he has enough self accountability to admit weaknesses like this.

I believe Luka will come back being better at defense, he's improved noticeably each season so far.

That's good self reflection. It's what will make him even greater. I get at Luka a bit because of his weight and his constant complaining but it's shit like this that makes me like him at the same time.

[FultzNationRISE]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33991255/as-playoff-run-ends-luka-doncic-says-improving-defense-take-dallas-mavericks-next-level



Pretty much agree with that, huge improvement in defense already, but needs to do even more.

It's good to hear he has enough self accountability to admit weaknesses like this.

I believe Luka will come back being better at defense, he's improved noticeably each season so far.

Not sure how much higher his defensive ceiling is.

He doesnt have long arms or quick feet, he’s never gonna be a lockdown guy.

Seems he improved this season by focusing on positional awareness so that hes not late on rotations and such. Which is great, but I dont see where he goes from there or what he can do to prevent just flat out getting beat. It happens even to great defenders sometimes, Im not sure what solution theres gonna be for Doncic. At this point he may just be what he is on that end.

[warriorfan]

Not sure how much higher his defensive ceiling is.

He doesnt have long arms or quick feet, he’s never gonna be a lockdown guy.

Seems he improved this season by focusing on positional awareness so that hes not late on rotations and such. Which is great, but I dont see where he goes from there or what he can do to prevent just flat out getting beat. It happens even to great defenders sometimes, Im not sure what solution theres gonna be for Doncic. At this point he may just be what he is on that end.

He can improve conditioning and just give more effort. Like you said he obviously has his limitations at that end but there is some room for improvement still.

He needs to be careful though. Look what happened to Kevin Love when he lost tons of weight. His game actually suffered because of it.

[Full Court]

He's right. If he can become an elite defender he has the potential to be one of the greats.

[90sgoat]

Not sure how much higher his defensive ceiling is.

He doesnt have long arms or quick feet, he’s never gonna be a lockdown guy.

Seems he improved this season by focusing on positional awareness so that hes not late on rotations and such. Which is great, but I dont see where he goes from there or what he can do to prevent just flat out getting beat. It happens even to great defenders sometimes, Im not sure what solution theres gonna be for Doncic. At this point he may just be what he is on that end.

I think his defense is fine actually.

When he looks really bad it's because he is gassed or hunting for rebounds.

He needs to spend less energy on offense and needs to get a rebounder to gobble up some of those defensive rebounds, so he can stay on his man. Needs to make more correct decisions, like what Kidd said about those 3 seconds of effort. Blitz some more, body up opponents and force the ball out of their hands before the dribble.

In rookie season you had Deandre Jordan basically fighting him for rebounds and it created some bad vibes, but basically that's what he needs. Like a vet center who will tell him to **** off from below the rim. Gobert, Horford, etc.

[plowking]

Giannis was one of the few players I've seen take the weight training portion of the game seriously early. Even Jordan and Kobe took their time...

Luka is doing the same thing. Should have been in the weight room harder early on. It makes a difference.

[90sgoat]

Giannis was one of the few players I've seen take the weight training portion of the game seriously early. Even Jordan and Kobe took their time...

Luka is doing the same thing. Should have been in the weight room harder early on. It makes a difference.

Seems plenty strong to me, but some kind of dynamic weight movements and squats could help.

Get some real base strength going on.

[Full Court]

Giannis was one of the few players I've seen take the weight training portion of the game seriously early. Even Jordan and Kobe took their time...

Luka is doing the same thing. Should have been in the weight room harder early on. It makes a difference.

He needs to put more time into his cardio than he does strength training.

[Hey Yo]

He's right. If he can become an elite defender he has the potential to be one of the greats.
Magic played zero defense throughout his career but didn't stop him for others to think he's one of the greats.

[plowking]

He needs to put more time into his cardio than he does strength training.

Strength/dynamic movement training is gonna keep him strong and able to move better. He has plenty decent cardio since he is running out entire basketball games.

He needs 5lbs more muscle on his frame while cutting about 5-6lbs of fat.