Dallas Basketball

Former Maverick puts lofty claim on Lakers' Luka Doncic

This former teammate gives Doncic high praise.
Keenan Womack|
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) checks the scoreboard during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) checks the scoreboard during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Dallas Mavericks

In the aftermath of the Luka Doncic trade that sent the Slovenian superstar and Dallas Mavericks fan favorite to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks front office leaked plenty of details that pointed to a lack of effort from Doncic, using his conditioning (or lack thereof) as evidence.

Despite these problems, Doncic still averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game on 44% from the field and 38% from three with LA this season, prompting conversations about how legitimate the claims of lacking work ethic really are.

READ MORE: Former Mavericks star raves about playing with Dirk Nowitzki

Former Mavs teammate Theo Pinson chimed in on the matter on his podcast, "To The Baha." He began his statement with a powerful claim.

"Luka Doncic is the best point guard in the league," he began. Upon getting pushback, Pinson replied, "Don't throw my man under the bus," he said in response to being asked whether Doncic works hard or not.

READ MORE: Mavericks star Kyrie Irving makes unexpected move ahead of looming free agency decision

"I have never seen him work out, but...he comes back at night. He does it when nobody sees it." He continued on that the one time that he did see Doncic work out when coming back from injury and that it might have been "the most impressive thing" he'd ever seen.

"I don't think the [expletive] missed a shot... He's ready. There is no one more gifted than Luka... Offensively, he can make other people better." He finished his point by saying that fact is what takes Doncic over the top. "For a point guard, I need that."

Pinson played with the Mavericks from 2021-2023, averaging 2.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while providing real leadership.

READ MORE: Former Dallas mayor slams Mavericks for trading Luka Doncic to Lakers

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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