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Luka Doncic Opens Up About the Highs and Lows of his NBA Journey So Far

JJ Redick・2 minutes read

Luca Doncic discusses his experience as a new father, NBA scoring challenges, and rule differences affecting gameplay. He emphasizes the importance of mental and physical preparation in the NBA, reflecting on growth and development since his last appearance on the podcast.

Insights

  • Luca Doncic discusses the challenges and rewards of playing in the NBA, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical preparation.
  • Offensive players exploit defensive strategies for shooting fouls, reflecting the high offensive talent in the current NBA.
  • The player's ultimate career goal involves winning championships, securing an MVP award, and transitioning to a peaceful life on a farm, emphasizing the balance between basketball success and personal fulfillment.

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Recent questions

  • What recent NBA trades occurred?

    The New York Knicks traded Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, and Alec Burks for future picks and players.

  • How does Luca Doncic view scoring in the NBA?

    Luca mentions that scoring in the NBA is not as easy as it may seem, despite his 73-point game against the Hawks.

  • What are the challenges of playing in the NBA?

    Luca discusses the challenges and rewards of playing in the NBA, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical preparation.

  • How does Luca Doncic balance fun and competitiveness on the court?

    Balancing fun and competitiveness on the court is a unique challenge for Luca, who finds it fascinating.

  • What are Shay's notable improvements in basketball?

    Shay's improvement over the seasons, with notable growth in decision-making and trust in teammates.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Luca Doncic on NBA Challenges and Growth"

  • Episode 208 of the Old Man and the Three podcast features Luca Doncic and Jaylen Williams
  • Luca participated in the "Hole of the Week" golf video at Cypress Point number 15
  • The DraftKings Sportsbook segment discusses recent NBA trades, including PJ Washington to the Mavericks and Gordon Hayward to the Hornets
  • The New York Knicks traded Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, and Alec Burks for future picks and players
  • The Knicks are seen as a strong team in the East with good odds for the NBA Finals
  • The conversation with Luca Doncic touches on his experience as a new father and how it affects his approach to playing in the NBA
  • Luca mentions that scoring in the NBA is not as easy as it may seem, despite his 73-point game against the Hawks
  • Luca attributes the ease of scoring in the NBA to rule differences and defensive strategies
  • Luca reflects on his growth and development in the NBA since his last appearance on the podcast
  • Luca discusses the challenges and rewards of playing in the NBA, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical preparation.

15:01

"Modern basketball tactics and skills analyzed"

  • Scoring 73 points was challenging, influenced by the opponent's defensive strategy.
  • European basketball rules differ, allowing more physicality and flopping.
  • Hand checking, a defensive technique from the 90s, could impact offensive play.
  • Offensive players exploit defensive strategies for shooting fouls.
  • Offensive talent in the current NBA is exceptionally high.
  • Defensive players like Claxton are commended for their skills.
  • Physicality in games is more apparent when viewed up close.
  • Offensive moves like the low pull through are effective in modern basketball.
  • Split stance and dribbling techniques are utilized for attacking.
  • Deceleration skills, like the slow step, are crucial for deceptive plays.

29:34

Kyrie Irving Boosts Scoring, Playoff Aspirations

  • Having Kyrie Irving to facilitate offense has made scoring easier, especially with Jaylen Brown not performing at his current level.
  • Playing with Kyrie has significantly eased the burden of scoring and playmaking.
  • The team needs to focus on getting healthy to reach their full potential, as injuries have been a hindrance.
  • Despite challenges, the player remains optimistic about the team's potential and their ability to succeed in the playoffs.
  • Reflecting on past playoff experiences, the player finds them enjoyable and competitive, aiming to return to that level.
  • Balancing fun and competitiveness on the court is a unique challenge for the player, who finds it fascinating.
  • While not actively seeking motivation, trash talk from opponents can fuel the player's performance.
  • The relationship with teammate Devin Booker is positive, with mutual respect evident on the court.
  • The player has not experienced a blowout game like the 2022 Game 7 loss, emphasizing the importance of staying focused.
  • The player acknowledges the disappointment of missing the playoffs last season and the need to improve, particularly in defense, to meet expectations.

45:28

Player's Blitz Strategy Leads to Career Success

  • When facing a blitz in basketball, it can lead to easier wins for the team as it creates a four-on-three advantage, allowing other players to get involved.
  • The more times a team blitzes, the more games they tend to win, prompting further analysis of this strategy.
  • A specific play discussed involves a game-tying shot off a missed free throw in a Knicks game, highlighting the player's celebration and the practice of unconventional shots.
  • The player mistakenly believed they had won the game due to a misunderstanding of the score, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster of the moment.
  • Despite facing criticism, the player finds joy in their career, reminiscing about their initial dream of becoming an NBA player.
  • The player's impressive stat line from a recent game includes 35 points, 18 rebounds, and one turnover, with a unique performance in basketball history.
  • The player's defensive prowess is acknowledged, with a suggestion to push for recognition on the NBA's second defensive team.
  • The player's achievement of 89 career 35-point games before turning 25 places them third all-time, behind Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James.
  • The player dismisses the idea of playing as long as LeBron to break records, expressing a desire for championships and MVP titles before retiring to run a farm in Slovenia.
  • The player's ultimate career goal involves winning championships, securing an MVP award, and transitioning to a peaceful life on a farm, emphasizing the balance between basketball success and personal fulfillment.

59:27

Shay's Growth and Impact in Basketball

  • Shay's improvement over the seasons, with notable growth in decision-making and trust in teammates.
  • Shay's ability to read coverages, make plays ahead of time, and understand the game at a high level.
  • The significance of Shay's willingness to make plays that may not directly benefit him but contribute to the team's success.
  • Shay's recent game against Toronto highlighted his playmaking and ability to involve other players effectively.
  • Shay's consistency in delivering impactful performances, with a particular focus on his clutch moments.
  • The tendency for top players like Shay to sometimes go unnoticed due to their consistent excellence.
  • JJ Redick's unique experience of commuting from New York to Philadelphia for practice during his playing career.
  • JJ's dedication to his family by making the commute for their benefit.
  • Jaylen's pick of Leo's Taco Truck in LA as a top spot for a late-night meal.
  • Jaylen's selection of Waffle House in Atlanta as a go-to spot for post-game meals.

01:12:59

"Foodie Adventures: From Toronto to Miami"

  • In 2019, after a game where they were defeated by Toronto, TJ McConnell and the speaker visited Soto sto in Toronto where they met Drake, the number one Toronto Raptors fan. They later had a conversation about the Raptors and the Sixers in Drake's private room for 30 minutes.
  • Ny's Hustle in Houston is recommended as a phenomenal place with elite and delicious food that includes unique dishes like steak with caviar on sourdough that has been fermenting for 22 days.
  • Al Chal in Chicago, part of the same family as Fort Charles, is highlighted as the speaker's favorite burger spot in the country, open until 1:00 a.m. and offering great food.
  • Harold's in Chicago on the south side is praised for its amazing food, particularly the lemon pepper wings at Magic City in Atlanta, recommended for their quality. Other notable mentions include Bini Tavern in New Orleans, The Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City, Pizza Mat in LA, Canard in Portland, and IL Gabano in Brickell, Miami, with STK in LA also receiving praise for its consistency and late-night availability.
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