As the Dallas Mavericks gear up for the new NBA season, all eyes are on Luka Doncic. His readiness is the linchpin for the team’s success. Doncic, an MVP candidate, is the player around whom the Mavericks’ fortunes revolve. Without him, we haven’t seen the Mavs in their true context. This preseason, we didn’t see Doncic in action, which leaves us with questions about his preparedness. However, his participation in practice is a positive sign, suggesting that the Mavericks are taking a cautious approach to ensure their star player is in top form.
Luka Doncic and the Mavericks’ Preseason Questions
The preseason has left us with more questions than answers, particularly regarding Doncic’s readiness. The last time we saw him in meaningful action was during Slovenia’s Olympic qualifying run. His conditioning has been a topic of discussion, but he appeared in good shape at media day, looking slimmer and more prepared. Yet, without seeing him in a game, we can’t be certain of his current form. Doncic could either explode onto the scene with a stellar performance or show signs of rust. Both scenarios are plausible, and the anticipation is palpable.
The Mavericks’ strategy has been to play it safe with both Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who also sat out some preseason games. This cautious approach is understandable, given the importance of both players to the team’s success. The real test will come when they step onto the court together, and we see how they mesh with new additions like Klay Thompson.
Defensive Dynamics: Luka, Kyrie, and Klay
One of the biggest questions for the Mavericks is how Doncic, Irving, and Thompson will defend together. This trio’s defensive capabilities are crucial for the team’s success in high-stakes games. The Mavericks’ defense needs to be robust enough to compete at a high level, and the preseason hasn’t provided enough clarity on this front. The team’s defensive scheme relies heavily on switching and communication, and the integration of these three players will be key.
The Mavericks’ defense will also depend on the support of players like Dereck Lively, who has shown promise as a defensive anchor. Lively’s ability to switch and protect the rim will be vital in covering for any defensive lapses from the backcourt trio. His development could be a game-changer for the Mavericks, providing the defensive stability they need.
The preseason has been a period of experimentation and adjustment for the Mavericks. While we haven’t seen the full potential of the team, there are promising signs. The real test will come when the regular season begins, and we see how these pieces fit together.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ preseason and what lies ahead, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- The impact of Dereck Lively’s defensive growth
- Evaluating the Mavericks’ rotation and potential lineups
- Why Jaz Gortman WILL make an impact on the Mavs
- Jaden Hardy vs Spencer Dinwiddie in the Rotation
