NBA analyst believes Dallas Mavericks’ lack of pace is source of concern for team: “They’re so reliant upon Luka & his live dribble”
The Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic have lost seven of their last 10 games, dropping them to 11th in the Western Conference. Former NBA player Tim Legler thinks the reason for many of their losses is relying too heavily on their star.
The Mavericks (9-10) are on a four-game losing streak, and just like any team on a losing streak, it's been causing some concern. Many expected Dallas to be better than what they are right now. Their success from the previous season (going 52-30 and reaching the Western Conference finals) has played a vital part in the fans' hopes for them this season.
4 straight L’s while Luka is putting up MVP numbers & everybody is healthy… https://t.co/Vfvw056NKX
ESPN's Tim Legler shared his thoughts on why the Mavericks have been experiencing a losing streak.
"They're losing to good teams, and this is a team that's expecting to go to the Finals. When you go to the conference finals, your next progression should be, 'Get to the Finals,' so, why are they losing to these teams? For me, I look at them and I say, 'They play too slow,'" Legler said.
"You look at what they're doing in transition and getting easy baskets, and it's virtually non-existent. You're talking about six-and-a-half fastbreak points per game in those four losses.
"They're so relient upon Luka and his live dribble, and when they play that slow, i just think their margin for error shrinks dramatically."
Watching Mavs games can be frustrating, as the players just stand on their spots and wait for Doncic to work his magic. With their four-game losing streak, coach Jason Kidd should draw up a gameplan that isn't reliant on Doncic alone.
Also read: Kemba Walker's addition to Dallas Mavericks explained by owner Mark Cuban: "We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense"
The Dallas Mavericks sign Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker is now a member of the Dallas Mavericks. After days of the signing being rumored by many media outlets, it has come to fruition. Walker will add another scoring punch that the Mavs desperately need. Terms of his contract haven't been revealed, but early reports say it's a one-year, non-guaranteed deal.
Welcome to the squad, @KembaWalker!
@chime | #MFFL https://t.co/d2ELgVyfhm
With the addition of Walker, Dallas has waived Argentinian point guard Facundo Campazzo, who has only suited up for eight games this season. Capazzo averaged 1.3 points and 1.1 assists while only playing for 6.5 minutes. Fans thought the duo of Campazzo and Doncic would work, but Campazzo didn't get enough playing time to play alongside Doncic.
Thank you, @facucampazzo.
#MFFL https://t.co/pMLUmeFb4a
With Walker, the Mavs have another player capable of making his own baskets. The 6-foot guard last played for the New York Knicks, averaging 11.6 ppg, 3.5 apg and 3.0 rpg. He only played for 37 games for the Knicks and averaged 25.6 minutes of playing time.
Also read: Who is Christian Wood? Taking a look at Dallas Mavericks center who signed a $41 million deal after his girlfriend dumped him for being undrafted