Luka Doncic’s offensive style was praised by LeBron James and JJ Redick, who also talked about why opponents should not have used double teams against him.
On the most recent edition of the podcast “Mind The Game,” LeBron James and JJ Redick had a fascinating conversation on Luka Doncic. They talked about the offensive prowess of Luka and why opposing teams frequently struggle when trying to double-team Doncic.
JJ Redick: “Luka is an intriguing player because he’s one of the few players in this generation who can make any kind of pass out of a double-team. Luka and James (Harden) are among them, and you are among them. What makes you blitz him, then?
LeBron James: “I’m not sure I get it. Particularly given the gunfire they are around him with… He will make each and every read. You’re done when Tim Hardaway hits six or seven three-pointers. Kyrie and Luka will continue to do their respective things. We dominated Luka in our game earlier this year, and Dante Exum made five or six threes. You can’t beat Tim Hardaway when he hits six or seven threes.”
JJ Redick: “There’s no decent f***ing explanation for the scoring outburst, so if people are looking for one, that’s why. The NBA’s most blitzing team is Atlanta. Because they were concerned about the repercussions, they chose not to blitz Luka Doncic, and he scored 73.”
This insightful discussion regarding the realities of contemporary NBA offenses was had. Following his 73-point performance, Doncic’s style of play has been criticized by plain observers and pundits who argue that teams don’t defend him.
With technical nuance, LeBron and Redick talked about the same thing. James basically agreed that the Hawks made the right call in not double-teaming Luka that game because of how deadly a passer he can be.
This season, Luka is averaging 33.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 9.8 assists, making it one of the best offensive seasons in recent history. The Mavericks might finish the season as the #4 seed. His ability to score is amazing, and it’s remarkable that not even a player as good as LeBron knows how the Lakers and he can stop Doncic from scoring.
LeBron James Disapproved of Coaching Choices During the Clippers Win
LeBron wasn’t a big fan of the blitzing Luka Doncic tactic. He also took issue with Darvin Ham’s defensive scheme that the Clippers used in an amazing 20-point comeback led by James earlier in the season. LeBron disclosed that in order to win that game, he vetoed Darvin Ham’s strategy.
We were supposed to switch in the Clippers game between Kawhi and James, or anyone else, but I vetoed it in the second half because I know Ty Lue better than anyone else and I know he plays target ball as well, and it went up. I vetoed it because I understood that putting anyone else on Kawhi would not help us win the game, so I might as well prepare for Wizards.”
He is among the NBA’s sharpest players that we have ever seen. James has 21 years of league experience, therefore it would be difficult for any coach to try to disagree with him. In these kinds of circumstances, you have to have faith in him, and Ham had faith in James to devise a plan that would win them the match.
For the season, James is averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.