Dallas Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic showed his offensive prowess by winning last season’s NBA scoring champion honor. Despite the Slovenian almost averaging a triple-double season, the Mavericks lost the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. While many questioned the Mavs’ defense last season, head coach Jason Kidd claimed the star players must fulfill their defensive responsibilities.
Ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks lost Derrick Jones Jr., who Doncic believed is very underrated. Following the Finals loss against the Celtics, many criticized Luka Doncic’s defensive efforts. During the franchise’s media day, Jason Kidd admitted that the 2019 rookie of the year must be more involved in defense in the upcoming season.
With a blend of humor and seriousness, Kidd discussed the 25-year-old guard’s role on defense. He said, “There’s going to be nights where Luka has to guard someone…” He added, “It’s going to be a committee, This league is about matchups and being able to get the matchups right. I don’t think he’s going to run from that.”
Jason Kidd Outlines Defensive Roles Of Kyrie Irving And Klay Thompson
Along with Luka Doncic, the Mavs head coach believed that a collective defense effort is required to make the team successful. Kidd highlighted the defensive role of Kyrie Irving and the new-signing Klay Thompson. He said, “Kai (Kyrie Irving) and Klay (Thompson), there’s going to be a committee of guys who are gonna have to guard.”
He added, “There’s going to be nights where Luka is gonna have to guard maybe someone a little bit quicker. There’s not too many guys that are as fast as him. I know everybody thinks I was joking, but there’s some seriousness that Luka’s gonna have to guard somebody.”
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With the addition of Klay Thompson, who signed a three-year, $50 million deal with Dallas, Jason Kidd’s side received an offensive boost. However, filling the defensive gap seems to be their primary concern with the 2024-25 NBA season a few weeks away.
Also Read: Mark Cuban Believes Luka Doncic Is A Better Player Than Dirk Nowitzki Ever Was
