Luka Doncic made some interesting statements during a recent postgame interview that Head Coach Jason Kidd should take seriously. As many NBA fans should certainly be aware by now, Doncic is a young star for the Dallas Mavericks and has been playing at an elite level in order to carry his team to a good record to start off the 2023-2024 NBA season.
At the moment, the Mavericks hold a record of 16 wins and 9 losses, giving them the 3rd position in a very competitive Western Conference. There is no denying that having a young Doncic as the franchise cornerstone is working out for the Dallas Mavericks.
Although Doncic never said anything negative or concerning during his post-game interview, the very agenda behind the media’s questions should give the Mavericks’ coaching management something to think about. That said, a better look at the situation is required.
Has Luka Doncic been playing too many minutes this season?
Fans who have been watching Luka Doncic in action over the past few seasons might know that he usually starts the regular season very well and is almost always in the MVP conversation. However, critics have mentioned that a lack of conditioning and training has prevented him from having as much energy as required to play the full season.
“It is easier. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of minutes, but I’m feeling good. Just out there playing basketball, so I’m feeling great.”
Luka Doncic feels it’s easier to play a lot of minutes with his current conditioning and isn’t concerned about his workload:
“It is easier. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of minutes, but I’m feeling good. Just out there playing basketball, so I’m feeling great.”
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— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 17, 2023
Although this statement doesn’t sound very special on its own, Doncic admitting that he has been playing a lot of minutes despite feeling good is certainly a cause for concern. At the moment, the Mavs are shorthanded without Kyrie Irving on the court. Therefore, Luka has been carrying the majority of the scoring load.
While Doncic is still young and has many years of pro basketball left in him, overstraining himself around quarterway through the season might not be a recipe for success. Jason Kidd must now begin to consider trusting others on the Mavs to facilitate while Luka gets some much-needed rest on the bench.