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NBA: 3 star players seeing a downswing in their public perception

By Luke Duffy

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on January 22, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on January 22, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Mavericks
NBA (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Luka Doncic

In only his third season in the league, Luka Doncic has already far surpassed all expectations that were put in place for him. It looked like an impossible task to replace the great Dirk Nowitzki on the Dallas Mavericks, but somehow Doncic has come in and made that transition about as smooth as it could have been.

It is kind of unfair that the goals have been moved that much for Doncic so soon, as one great playoff performance against the L.A. Clippers in the NBA’s bubble last season vaulted Doncic into the MVP discussion. He’s rightly in the mix, but just because he hasn’t taken another huge leap forward and lead the race for the MVP trophy (while still being fantastic), the perception has changed.

It doesn’t help that the Mavericks have struggled this season, and really their 13-15 record is falling on Doncic’s shoulders more than it should. Last year the roster was set up to be an offensive juggernaut and it was, leading the league in offensive efficiency (113.7.) behind the do-it-all play of Doncic.

Taking out the likes of Seth Curry, a sneakily important ingredient, and replacing him with Josh Richardson, who has flattered to deceive up to this point, just has not worked. The thinking looks to have been sacrificing some firepower to get better defensively, hoping the skill of Doncic would make up the difference.

It hasn’t, and that now looks like it is Doncic’s fault. His apparent willingness to mouth off to referees has been spoken about in the media as well and has not endeared him to media types and fans alike. Injuries to important players like Maxi Kleber haven’t helped, while Kristaps Porzingis and what exactly he brings long-term is the elephant in the room.

It is not all bad though. Doncic will almost certainly be an All-Star starter, is averaging a career-best 29.1 points per game and is even showing some consistency in his 3-point shot (career-high 33.5 percent from deep, which still needs work). But because it all isn’t as effortless as it was last year, and with increased expectations around the Mavericks, Doncic has come in for some stick.