"We're going to exchange that" - Luka Doncic hints going back to Real Madrid days with major tactical shift
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are set to kick off their first full season together after the latter joined the Dallas Mavericks via a trade last February. After missing the playoffs due to a collapse in the second half of the season, the Mavericks understand that another losing season would be a significant disappointment.
The franchise also understands that the chemistry between two ball-dominant guys, like Doncic and Irving, will determine how successful they will be this year.
At the same time, Luka Doncic plans to make some adjustments to his game to make this transition easier and let Kyrie Irving become more comfortable with Dallas' playing style.
The Slovenian basketball star, Luka Doncic, discussed his upcoming season opener against the San Antonio Spurs. He also reflected on his time playing for Real Madrid and his on-court partnership with Sergio Llull.
"Mostly, I don't run … not with the ball," Doncic said. "I make the throw-ahead pass. I think that's been working pretty good. Sometimes, I talk with Ky about it. We're going to exchange the handling of the ball. So say, for example, when it's a free throw, maybe I get the ball, but when it's like open, when it's not stoppage, he will take it. So we're going to exchange that," [via Sports Illustrated].
"When I was in Madrid, I played like this. I remember playing with Llull, so we were the same. We would exchange, so I remember playing like this," he added.
Jason Kidd wants to see the Mavs play faster offensively with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving
With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the floor, the Dallas Mavericks have two excellent ball handlers. This should result in excellent ball movement for the Mavs.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd emphasized how important quick ball movement will be for his team, especially when Doncic and Irving share the floor.
"Talking to Luka this summer, he was all for it. We got to take the ball out fast. His ability to throw a full-court pass and throw-ahead also takes off the pounding of him being picked up full-court and hounded," Kidd told media earlier in the week, via Sports Illustrated.
"Now we have Kai, Josh, and Derrick out there, guys who can get out and run and put the ball on the floor. It helps us because it’s a numbers game. If we’re playing four-on-four and playing faster, the offense always has the advantage," he added.
Echoing Kidd's comments, Luka Doncic said spacing will be crucial for the team's offense and will help the Mavs further improve their game.
"I think spacing is important, just to move. I know the defender is probably not going to help off me a lot of times, so that opens more space for Kai, for other teammates. ... I've been working on my catch-and-shoot, so I'm ready," Luka Doncic said, via Sports Illustrated.
Doncic and the Mavs will look to emerge victorious in their season opener against the Spurs, who aim for a return to the playoffs after five years with the addition of 2023 first overall Victor Wembanyama.