Luka Doncic’s defense, or lack thereof, has been one of the major criticisms he has faced ever since he started showing superstar potential. As good a player as he is, most seem to agree that his defense just isn’t at the elite level.
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When the Slovenian was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year in exchange for Anthony Davis, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison admitted that he wanted to shift the team’s focus to defense. And Doncic simply wasn’t that man.
And most people believe he is poor at defense because he’s out of shape. Gilbert Arenas, however, doesn’t think Doncic’s conditioning and defense are related in any way whatsoever.
During a live watch-along stream of Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and the OKC Thunder (where Oklahoma blew out Denver 125-93), Arenas fielded questions about the upcoming season from fans. One of them asked if he thought Doncic would spruce up his conditioning to play better defense next year.
Arenas agreed that the guard would probably lose some weight and get in better shape. But he didn’t think his defense would improve.
“I think he’s gon get in better shape,” the three-time All-Star said. “Defense? I don’t know nothing about that. Either you play defense or you don’t.”
Arenas also pointed out that some of Doncic’s defensive habits don’t correlate with his overall basketball IQ. Rather than thinking and figuring out how to best play defense, Arenas felt Doncic plays ‘guess defense’ — just throwing his body in front of the offensive player, hoping to offset them.
This often ends up with Doncic getting fouls called against him. That frustrates him further and puts him in foul trouble with the referees.
“I don’t see him [Doncic] trying to be some lockdown defender,” reiterated Arenas, who seems convinced Doncic’s defense won’t improve.
The Slovenian will undoubtedly enter the summer with a chip on his shoulder, aiming to do what he couldn’t with the Mavs — win a ring.
Will we see a new and improved Doncic when the NBA returns? Or will he continue to look like an all-timer on offense and a liability on defense?
