feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

Dallas Mavericks are ready to enter the season with their superstar duo. They retain their last season’s late acquisition of Kyrie Irving with a $126 million contract. Although the duo has been scrutinized by fans lately, they have not played a complete season together. Kyrie was added to the Mavs roster near the trade deadline, giving the duo enough room for synergies. In the 16 games Luka Doncic and Kyrie played together, they had a horrendous record of 5-11. But in the duo’s defense, Dallas had decided to revoke their chances of contention to spike their chances in the 2023 Drafts.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

In the recent season, the Mavs squad seemed to struggle as soon as Luka had to take on the bench. Kyrie’s addition to the squad efficiently fills that void for Dallas. However, despite a tremendous average of 32.4 points on 49.6% shooting last season, the Mavs have an odd request for the Slovenian star.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

Dallas wants Luka Doncic to lose weight

According to The Athletic?s Tim Cato, Dallas wants Luka to lose weight before entering the 2023-24 season. Doncic stood at 260 pounds post his Olympic stint, which was greater than his preferred weight of 230 pounds. Luka’s weight gain can be seen ever since his NBA days began. On a positive note, Luka won’t have to alter his game much since he was a speedy youngster once who wreaked havoc on opponents more experienced than him.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Doncic’s style of play is unique, as he does not rely heavily on athleticism or speed to surpass defenders. Nevertheless, his offensive approach poses a considerable challenge for opponents. However, ample evidence suggests that his struggles in half-court defensive sets stem from issues related to his conditioning. While his offensive skills are undeniable, shedding weight will undoubtedly enhance the young superstar’s availability in various defensive aspects on the court.

Jamal Crawford has high hopes for the Luka-Kyrie duo

Jamal Crawford, the all-time four-point play leader, believes that Luka Doncic and Irving will constitute tremendous success. With Dallas’s showcase of belief by signing Kyrie Irving as soon as possible, Crawford thinks their move will pay off.

ADVERTISEMENT

The duo has displayed their ability to orchestrate the court when playing together. Not only can they handle their ground, but they also have the mentality to switch it up during peak times. However, their defensive shortcomings have been a challenge for the team. Even though Mavericks requested Luka regarding his fitness, the organization boarded players like Grant Williams and Dereck Lively II.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read More?He Was a M*****f*****?: Confessing to ?Robbing? Dwyane Wade, 6x NBA All-Star Forsakes Kobe Bryant for Selfish Motive

Basketball fans eagerly anticipate the new NBA season, hoping to witness the duo’s brilliance. They surely expect to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch This StoryHe Passed That Sunday?: Shaquille O?Neal?s 66YO Buddy Reminisces the ?Surreal? Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Saahil Dhillan

1,046 Articles

Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day. His inclination towards the sporting world fits him right into our News Center. Beyond the scoreboard, Saahil remains on the lookout for quant frames, all while navigating the humorous tantrums of his dogs and their four-legged co-stars.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Saumya Khanduja

ADVERTISEMENT