Luka Dončić will make his seventh NBA All-Star appearance this Sunday at 7 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
This is just his sixth season in the league. And for the fifth time during Saturday’s Media Day, the Dallas Mavericks’ superstar point guard was asked nearly every question imaginable, from ludicrous to magnificent.Dončić is a generational player who can impact a team’s success for years to come. So far this season, he leads the NBA in scoring (34.2), second in three-pointers made per game (3.9), third in assists (9.5), ninth in steals (1.4), and twentieth in rebounds (8.8).Dončić is a clear contender for this season’s Most Valuable Player title, since he meets all the necessary criteria. One thing is certain: coaches have spent many sleepless hours trying to figure out what defensive plans they should devise to slow down the 6-7, 230-pound one-man wrecking team.
“None of us know how he consistently destroys whatever defence is thrown at him,” San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich remarked. “I believe he is underappreciated as an athlete. When you look at him, he appears to have eaten a few too many donuts at times. You don’t consider him a ‘athletic’ athlete.”But speak about having a feel for the game and making the correct judgements at the right time. That goes beyond basketball IQ. For example, you teach your athletes not to play in crowded areas. He doesn’t even get near because he has did what he was intended to do.”Popovich views Dončić as a deep thinker on the basketball court, constantly two or three steps ahead of the defensive player’s attempts.”And it’s his IQ and his total kinetic view of the court,” Popovich went on to say. “He always knows where everyone is and understands all of the spatial links.”He isn’t jumping out of the gym. He’s not ignoring you. But he exploits that body and knows how to put (defensive) individuals in situations they can’t manage.Interestingly, interim head coach Brian Keefe of the Washington Wizards shares Popovich’s opinion on Dončić.”It’s just the way he sees the game,” Keefe explained. “He sees photos before everyone else does. I’m from Boston, and it reminds me a lot of Larry Bird growing up because he sees the entire game, including everyone on the court.”It’s as if he has a photo before anyone else does. It’s quite impressive.”Here are the questions Doncic faced on Media Day, excluding those in other languages.Question: Can you name five all-time European All-Stars?Dončić: I am not sure. This is challenging. I’d put (Nikola) Jokic.Q: Is there too much offence in the NBA today? Is there too much scoring? Is the score too high? Not enough defence?Dončić: There is plenty of defence. Trust me.Q: If you could add one regulation to the NBA, what would it be?Dončić: Let me think. I will get back to you.Q: If you could play alongside any NBA legend, who would you choose?Dončić: Michael Jordan.Q: You’re the 2019 Rookie of the Year and one of the league’s top passers right now. How frequently do you reflect on how you’ve influenced NBA history in such a short amount of time?Dončić: I appreciate each day. I enjoy every game and practice. It’s a dream of mine to be able to do this for a living. So it’s fun every day.Q: Who is the league’s best player right now?Dončić: Come on with this question. Dereck Lively.Q: (Dereck) Lively appeared to having a lot of fun yesterday. You were having a lot of fun today. What type of enthusiasm did he bring to the team?Dončić: Great. My favourite word: wonderful. Really, he’s a terrific child. He listens to everyone. He never complains. On the court, he appears to have been playing in this league for a decade. I’m thrilled that he’s on our squad.
Q: Given what transpired last season with the Dallas Mavericks, do you believe the goal is to make the playoffs this year?Dončić: Each year is significant. Every year, I want to win championships, therefore the goal remains the same. We just need to get through the final stretch of the season and win the division.Q: Is there anything in particular you hope to accomplish tomorrow (in the All-Star Game)?Dončić: Score some points.Q: Do you expect it to be a competitive game tomorrow?Dončić: I am not sure. Yes and No. I do not know. Yes and No.Q: Who is the NBA’s easiest matchup?Dončić: Nobody.Q: You shoot threes as if they were layups. What is the trick to being a superb shooter, like you?Dončić admits he is not a terrific shot. I merely improved a little from previous seasons. It’s all about repetition, getting shots up, and believing them.Q: How did you enhance your game over the previous season?Dončić shoots.Q: I’m a young athlete who isn’t really athletic, but I can score a little. What counsel can you provide me for the road ahead?Dončić: I am not athletic either. My advice is to work hard, do what you do, and have fun.Q: How has your All-Star experience been thus far, and what do you think about Indianapolis?Dončić: Good. I arrived late due to the (snow) storm, thus I did not see anything. But I did go to dinner. But so far, it’s been fantastic.Q: If you could swap jerseys with one NBA star from history, who would it be?Dončić: Michael Jordan.Q: What TV show would you watch for the rest of your life?Dončić: I am not sure. I don’t watch many television shows.Q: If you had to pick something from LeBron (James’) game, what would you choose and why?Dončić is athletic. Because I do not have it.Q: Are you astonished by your own accomplishments?Dončić: With a long journey ahead, I’m enjoying every minute.Q: What were your opinions on Tyrese Haliburton’s game? He’s getting his first All-Star recognition in his hometown.Dončić: Great. Amazing player. You can tell how much he has improved. He’s the best assist (player) in the game, including scoring. He basically raises the game at a different tempo and with a different IQ, which makes him brilliant.Q: Why do you believe you are not being addressed more in the MVP race?Dončić: No idea. I do not know. It is the media. It is not me.Q: Do you think that if you score more in the All-Star Game, it will help your candidature?Dončić: I disagree. I do not know. This was not my fault.Q: Given that you’ve attended All-Star Weekend several times, what is your favourite aspect of the event?Dončić: The game. The game is my favourite thing.Q: What does your teenage self think of you today?Dončić: He would be proud.