Luka Doncic may not be well-liked by players within the NBA, according to Brian Windhorst as Doncic is constantly barking at players or coaches.
Drama continues to ensue within the Dallas Mavericks franchise following their first round collapse against Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers. Luka Doncic poured his heart and soul into the series as he averaged 35.7 points and 10.3 assists in the 7-game bout which ultimately resulted in the Mavs giving up a 2-0 series lead.
The aftermath of the first-round exit saw a massive shake-up within the Mavericks front office. Reports came out claiming Luka Doncic was not gelling with the franchise’s ‘de-facto co-general manager’ Haralabos Voulgaris. Doncic even chirped at Voulgaris during a game, telling him to, “Sit the f**k down.”
The aforementioned shake-up took place with Rick Carlisle and Donnie Nelson being ousted from the Mavericks to bring in fresher faces. Luka Doncic, once again, was seemingly livid that Nelson was removed from his position as being the Mavs’ team president.
Luka Doncic is always barking at players or officials and Brian Windhorst believes this is why players don’t want to play with him.
At merely 22 years of age, Luka Doncic seems to have a lot of pull on the entirety of the Dallas Mavericks franchise. Rightfully so, as the All-NBA talent has earned his supermax eligibility and is carrying their franchise to the Playoffs each season. Getting Doncic over the hump and into deeper stints within the postseason requires a solid, secondary co-star.
This however, according to Brian Windhorst, may be more difficult than it seems. In a recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Windy laid out a bevy of reasons as to why players across the league are hesitant to team up with the Slovenian All-Star.
“I don’t know how many people are going to be excited to play with Luka Doncic. I think Luka is, maybe, a difficult person. He’s a great player but when you watch the Mavericks play, he’s barking at the coach, teammates, and at the officials. He’s always barking about something. He can really be an irritable guy.”
What Windhorst is saying isn’t far from the truth one bit. Luka even admitted this season that he’s been in the officials’ ears far too much this season and needs to cut it out. As for chemistry with his teammates, it’s been reportedly that he isn’t close with guys like Kristaps Porzingis off the court.
For the Mavericks to take that step forward, Luka Doncic will have to become more well-liked among NBA circles. If Doncic isn’t gelling with his teammates, there’s no chance that any big signings to get him help will take place.
