Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic may be waging an epic MVP battle, but the spotlight this season has been squarely on Luka Doncic. The Slovenian star, who is now busy helping the Los Angeles Lakers win their 18th championship, was part of the most shocking trade in NBA history. But the trade is not the only reason he has been part of conversations around the league.
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The other aspect has been his fitness. After blindsiding the star point guard, the Mavs organization trashed Doncic for being out of shape and unworthy of a max extension. They conveniently forgot how he had single-handedly dragged the team to the NBA Finals last year
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont threw Doncic under the bus while explaining their rationale for trading him. Most people around the league have sided with Luka because, in his six-year career, he has already made five All-NBA First Teams. It seems everybody in the NBA has weighed in on Luka’s fitness by now. Los Angeles Clippers legend Blake Griffin was the latest to do so.
Griffin had a very successful NBA career, first as a high-flyer and then as more of a ground-bound player after his athleticism waned. He said that being in good shape is different for different players.
“You just have to get guys to what they feel best at. You just have to put them in the best position to be successful, and that looks different for everybody. It can’t be a ‘one-size-fits-all’,” said the 6x All-Star on Neal Brennan’s Blocks podcast.
Shaquille O’Neal, who would most certainly relate to the criticism, passed along some good suggestions for Luka as well.
Shaq advises Doncic to let the flak motivate him
There’s a difference of opinion among people in the NBA about Luka’s fitness and how important it actually is. Griffin compared Luka to players like Jokic and Zach Randolph, neither of whom was going to wow anyone with their physique. But both could overwhelm opposition with their strength and skill.
“I think he’s in the type of shape that he needs to be to play that way,” the former mayor of Lob City said.
O’Neal offered a different take shortly after Luka was traded, saying that the Slovenian star should use the criticism as motivation to shut people up.
“Start eating salad, my boy… Get right, get healthy, and just take over,” said O’Neal.
Shaq went on to compare the criticism Luka has received over his conditioning to the flak he used to catch for not making enough free throws.
Doncic started a little slow with the Lakers as he worked his way back from a calf strain he suffered on Christmas. And he’s been his typical excellent self lately as he’s helped put L.A. in a great position to secure the 3-seed in the West.
His 30 points on Sunday handed the Thunder their worst home loss of the season, and he’ll try to do it again tonight when he and the Lakers return to Paycom Arena for a rematch.
