“He is so fuc*ing slow” Robert Horry explains why defenders consider Luka Doncic a threat just like Larry Bird
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Robert Horry speaking about Luka Doncic
European star Luka Doncic has made his mark in NBA for sure. He is one of the few players from the continent to make a serious challenge for the MVP trophies and NBA Championships, though he has not won one yet. But he is clearly one of the best in the NBA today. Luka’s court vision and ball handling allow him to win over defenders and help his team gain an advantage offensively in the game, but NBA legend Robert Horry pointed out one more aspect of his game more threatening for the defenders. As per 7-time NBA Champion, Luka’s slow speed on the court makes it difficult to guard him. Due to the same reason, Robert Horry has compared Doncic to the legendary Larry Bird.
Horry appeared as a guest on a recent episode of “The Byron Scott Podcast.” Scott was NBA Champion and coach, while Horry also won significant trophies in his LA stint. The two former LA Lakers players discussed Doncic and his game speed.
Horry started with Larry Bird’s comparison as he said, “You look at Bird and said, ‘Man, I could’ve stopped him because he’s slow,’ Someone like Luka now. If you watch Luka, Luka is so freaking slow and you’re like, ‘Why can’t they stop that?’ When you’re crafty and you know how to play, that’s all you need.”
Scott considering Luka even slower than Legendary Larry said, “Yeah, I think Bird is fast compared to Luka. I see Luka, he’s going slow as hell and he’ll get by you. But Larry probably looked like a f***ing sprinter compared to the way Luka plays.”
Celtics great Bird was better known for his skills and basketball IQ than his athleticism. Just like him, Luka is also making buzz around the league with his game IQ, and ball handling skills too.
Luka Doncic gearing up for the upcoming season and we might see a more athletic version of him.
Luka Doncic came into the league via the European route. He did extensively great in the Euro leagues and won most of the awards available there. This could be the reason for him being not able to adjust to the “pace of NBA” games. But he sure did make it up with his great game IQ.
Talented Doncic won Rookie of the Year in 2019 and was named an All-Star for the next three seasons. He has also earned three All-NBA First Team nods already and was even an MVP candidate consideration in past. Though many players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic are racking up MVP trophy with big numbers; their European counterpart is also not far behind. He is constantly playing around triple-double stats in every game.
The Slovenian star led the Mavericks to their most successful season since winning a championship in 2011. Doncic carried Dallas to the Western Conference finals last season. After being taunted as “Bulky body” which could be a reason for his slow pace and lack of athletism; the 23-year-old star is making efforts to improve in that area too.
In a recent interview with European outlet SportKlub, Slovenian national team strength and conditioning coach Anze Macek said that Doncic has been taking his physical health extremely seriously this offseason.
Macek said, “Shortly after the end of the season, [Luka] contacted me and said that he wanted to start conditioning immediately. Together with Goran Dragić, they worked for three weeks. The national team action followed.”
He further added, “When he went on vacation, he asked me for a work plan. He remains active. I’m in contact with him almost on a daily basis. He keeps his shape. He will upgrade everything in the national team trainings, where he will prepare for maximum efforts.”
Well, now if we add some more athleticism to Luka’s arsenal, opponents would surely have a difficult time guarding the Mav’s own Maverick.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)