Sounds like I’m trying to be controversial, but I’m really not. Nor a Luka hater (I’m a fan). I’m just thinking out loud here …
It’s just that watching the first two games of the finals, I can’t shake the feeling that the Celtics make him look small. Not physically, but in terms of the power he has over the game, even though he’s probably the best or top 2 of the players on the court.
It just feels like being 1 way and ball heavy is too often just too much of a weakness, especially while watching Brown, Jrue and Porzingis (and even Tatum managing his slump) be impactful all over the court in ways that connect together as a team.
Meanwhile Luka is too often getting frustrated with his shot not going down or not getting the call he wanted and clearly wanting to wait for the next offensive possession to have another go at his favourite moves (though being frustrated with his team makes sense, but TBF he’s had some frustrating turn overs too).
Like, it feels like this finals could be the beginning of a story about Luka being this mercurial and prodigious offensive player that never wanted to (or could) take care of his weaknesses enough to get a ring.
I’m not calling it or anything … it’s just what I’m coming away from the first two games with … in part because while the Celtics (especially with Porzingis in) are the better team I don’t think they’ve played well and have still made it look clearly one-sided while it doesn’t feel like Luka is a miraculous hero who just needs some help.
I think he is but his greatness has depended on his youth and talent so far. He’s played a pivotal role in the last couple of playoffs at knocking out some big time contender teams.
That being said, he’s in shit shape. I think he plays Euroball when the NBA season ends so I think he’s just enjoying bad dietary foods. When he shows up to training camp in Kobe shape and starts taking care of his body I think he’ll get over the hump. I remember seeing a video of Dirk patting his belly playfully and poking fun but can’t seem to find it.
Here it is
https://x.com/MalinWahlberg_/status/1543607149590355971/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1543607149590355971¤tTweetUser=MalinWahlberg_