Exclusive: Walt Williams doubts Luka Doncic's credentials of being able to play with Kyrie Irving on Dallas Mavericks due to sketchy history
Former NBA player Walt Williams isn't confident about Luka Doncic's ability to play alongside Kyrie Irving. The two All-Stars are yet to take the floor together for the Dallas Mavericks as speculation continues to grow if they can fit together.
While Kyrie has had the experience of playing alongside All-Star teammates like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and James Harden, the same cannot be said about Doncic. Williams reflected on the NBA's latest superstar backcourt duo and their fit during an appearance on Sportskeeda's Exclusive BallFather Podcast, saying (video releasing soon):
"To me, Luka has not shown that he can play with another dude that can ball out like that. You look at Porzingis, when he was with the Knicks, balling! Goes to the Mavericks... Supbar. Goes to the Wizards, he balling out with the Wizards."
Doncic has been the focal point of the Mavericks' offense since his debut season. He initiates their offense by himself and has a high usage rate. His former All-Star caliber teammate Kristaps Porzingis was reportedly unhappy with the role he had to play next to Luka.
That hampered the former New York Knicks center's production and his pairing alongside the Slovenian point guard. Doncic has never teamed up with another high-usage rate player like Irving previously, so Walt Williams' concerns are legitimate.
If the pairing has to work, Luka Doncic will have to adapt to playing off the ball regularly to maximize Kyrie Irving's presence on the roster.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving backcourt pairing has tremendous potential offensively
The optimism that Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic pairing will work stems from the fact that the former has played alongside ball-dominant players like LeBron James and James Harden. Irving is an excellent spot-up shooter and can cut to the basket, making him an ideal secondary ball handler.
He can create and facilitate equally well. Irving's handles are arguably the best in NBA history. If Doncic can split the ball-handling duties, this backcourt duo will have tremendous potential offensively.
Opposition defenders won't be able to afford to double-team either player due to their ability as isolation scorers and if Doncic emerges as a spot-up shooting threat.
It will be interesting to see them in action together and how they go about their business. Kyrie Irving made his debut for the Luka Doncic-less Mavs in a 110-104 win over the Clippers on Wednesday (Feb 8th). Doncic was sidelined due to a heel contusion in that contest but could suit up for their next game against the Kings on Friday (Feb 10th). He has been listed as questionable for the game.