The Dallas Mavericks made a game-changing move during the 2018 NBA Draft by trading up to secure Luka Doncic with the third overall pick. While the full extent of Doncic’s potential was initially uncertain, it didn’t take long for him to establish himself as the premier talent of his draft class. From earning Rookie of the Year to being named to the All-NBA First Team five consecutive times, Doncic has solidified his place among the NBA’s elite. Despite the Luka Doncic strategy being criticized by some, he led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals—a feat that seemed impossible given the team’s precarious position at the trade deadline. Although they ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics, the Mavs’ journey to the Finals was nothing short of extraordinary.
Luka Doncic Strategy Criticized: Is the Dallas Mavericks’ Roster a Mistake?
Nico Harrison, the Mavericks’ general manager, has been lauded for assembling a roster capable of competing in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Yet, not everyone is convinced that Dallas is on the right track. Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas recently criticized the Mavericks’ approach to building around Doncic, arguing that they’re making a critical mistake.
Arenas’ Controversial Take: Mavericks Need a Bigger Lineup
On his show The OGs, Arenas argued that to maximize Doncic’s effectiveness, the Mavericks need to surround him with larger players. At 6-foot-7, Doncic is a physical force, but Arenas believes that the current lineup fails to take full advantage of his size. He pointed to the 6-foot-2 Kyrie Irving as too small for the shooting guard position and suggested that the 6-foot-6 Klay Thompson is undersized for a small forward. While Arenas didn’t name P.J. Washington directly, he implied that Washington is similarly undersized for the power forward role.
Arenas’ comments have sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. While it’s easy to dismiss his opinion, the question remains: is Dallas really making a mistake in how they’re building around Doncic?
A Winning Formula or a Recipe for Disaster?
Despite Arenas’ criticisms, the Mavericks are coming off one of the best seasons in franchise history, largely due to the revamped roster around Doncic. Dallas’ success last season, which culminated in a Finals appearance, is proof that the current lineup can compete at the highest level.
However, Arenas’ point about the need for more size isn’t entirely off-base. A bigger lineup could create more favorable matchups for Doncic, making it even harder for opponents to contain him. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that no one in the NBA has consistently found a way to stop Doncic, regardless of the defensive matchups. His ability to involve his teammates and dominate on the court remains unmatched.
Irving and Doncic have already proven themselves to be one of the league’s top duos, and the addition of Klay Thompson only strengthens their position. Thompson provides a reliable third option who can consistently hit open shots, adding a new dimension to the Mavericks’ offense.
As the 2024-25 season looms, the Mavericks, led by Doncic, are poised to be a dominant force in the Western Conference once again. Whether or not they’ve made the right choices in building their roster remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Dallas isn’t backing down from the challenge.
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