SUMMARY
- Luka Doncic doesn't believe he needs to be fast or explosive to be athletic.
- Fans have shown overwhelming support towards Luka despite the criticism.
Luka Doncic has given the world numerous reasons to praise him. However, sports critics somehow find a reason to believe that the 25-year-old isn’t worthy of being called a potential greatest of all time. Doncic certainly has a lot more to prove as it’s only his sixth year in the league. But the trajectory of his performance only pushes us to believe that he will retire as one of the GOATs.
Recently, Doncic addressed the criticism he’s been receiving about the lack of athleticism he carries on the floor. His reply was quick and assertive. Doncic said, “I’m athletic in different ways they don’t see. Not everything is jumping and running fast.” When compared to other guards, Luka is definitely much slower. And in comparison to forwards, the 6ft 7in athlete isn’t too explosive.
Luka Doncic has only gotten a positive response from fans despite the criticism
Based on his response, Luka Doncic is certainly aware that he isn’t the most athletic specimen that’s graced the court. However, he still manages to impress and dominate the floor consistently. So far, he’s averaged 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Doncic has led the Dallas Mavericks against three higher-ranked teams in the Western Conference, while they were fifth in the division.
We love how he’s balling
— Omari (@omari_kenya) June 4, 2024
He will go down as the greatest ever
— FtotheK⚡️ (@FtotheK23) June 4, 2024
Fans still love to see Doncic regardless of the lack of dunks and defensive highlights. Here is what a few of them have had to say, “We love how he’s balling.” Another fan added, “He will go down as the greatest ever.” His fans seem to have a lot of confidence in his game, and Doncic will surely live up to the hype. Irrespective of what experts have said, Doncic is a mentality-strong athlete who managed to push himself to play through injuries in the conference semis and finals.
Dereck Lively II doubles down on the Luka Doncic criticism
Above it all, Luka Doncic is currently surrounded by a group of extremely talented individuals like PJ Washington, Kyrie Irving, and Daniel Gafford. But there is one player who has had a great impact coming off the bench for this Mavericks, their rookie Dereck Lively II. He also came in support of Doncic against the negative criticism he’s been receiving from the media.
Dereck Lively II when asked about Luka Doncic’s lack of athleticism:
“He can hoop. He might not be able to windmill, but he’s one of the best players in the world…People are going to game plan for him, people are going to double him, and he’s still going to pick you apart…” pic.twitter.com/3pUZ96aBfF
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) June 2, 2024
He said, “He can hoop. He might not be able to windmill, but he’s one of the best players in the world. Being able to say that about somebody is crazy. People are going to game plan for him, people are going to double him, and he’s still going to pick you apart.” Doncic is possibly going to bring his best self to the floor against the Boston Celtics in the finals. There’s absolutely no reason why the Mavericks can’t win the title this year and Doncic is going to make best use of his prime form.