https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id...-takes-issue-how-opponents-defend-luka-doncic carlisle's usually pretty judicious about this stuff, but i've noticed the same. luka and lebron both deal with getting hit hard because they're strong. yet the refs get whistle-shy for them but not for equally strong harden. of those three, which ones are most fun to watch? why reward the other?
The only complaint I have with Luka is how whiny he is. Sorry kid, rookies and young players don’t get the calls right away, that’s just how it is. It’s not right, but it’s reality, and his flopping tendencies seem to work against him there as well. Other than that I think he’s a fantastic player and already clutch and going to be huge going forward. I don’t even mind his cockiness and arrogance out there, reminds me of young Kobe, and we loved him for that. This year his team is winning and he’s earned some room to flex.
saw a stat the other day that he drove 39 times over two games and drew two whistles. most of his whining is actually pretty legit, tbh. harden gets those calls; he doesn't.
LOL apparently what Kobe said to him from courtside the other night in Slovenian was off color. https://www.yahoo.com/sports/luka-doncic-kobe-bryant-mavericks-slovenian-234351461.html
Our guys were really pissed with his flopping, even in sportsnet interviews, Dudz called him out. Horry, too
heard he tore his jersey out of frustration there will be times that 20 year olds look like 20 year olds but I have zero respect for flopping. ZERO
I hope he is a career Maverick (along with Porzingis) and the face of the franchise. I really like his overall game. Sure, he flops but it is part of the game these days. If you can't beat them, join them. I don't think he does it a ridiculous level like Chris Paul who would flop even if the opponent whiffs. Last night, Jackson noted his stat line which was very good but considered "off" by his standards. Surprised by the sub-par free throw shooting though.
He’s still mentally weak and emotional, hence his frustration jersey tear over missing free throws. But he’s just 20 years old and will get stronger in that area. Guys got a ton of talent but can’t stand the complaining and flopping aspect of his game.
I kind of feel like he is starting to get physically challenged a lot more heavily this year. They have tried complaining to the refs and the league and I bet the coaches are teaching him to flop as a way to combat it. I think you have to use it as an equalizer these days. You flop just enough to make the defense know they will likely get fouls called if they push him around too much. F it, I would do it for the millions of $$ it leads to.
This. Howard pushes his arm out of the way in last night's game--just his arm--and he goes flailing back 10 feet trying to get a call. Maybe it works in the Euro Leagues but it's not gonna work every time here. Helluva talent though.
I think, ironically, the flopping is being somewhat exaggerated here. The complaining isn’t, though. As someone suggested, the sad solution will be to flop MORE. It’s what the league mvp built a career on.
