Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic should use his step back jumper more

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has one of the best step back jumpers in the NBA. Here is why he should use it more in the 2019-2020 season.

Dallas Mavericks fans were blown away by the rookie season from Luka Doncic. The teenager faced the expectations of being a top three pick and crushed them in his path.

He became the second rookie in NBA history to average over 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game. Luka won the Rookie of the Year in a landslide. He received 98 of the 100 first-place votes.

It was a stellar campaign that has Dallas Mavericks fans ecstatic about the team’s future. Luka Doncic also showed off a step back jumper that is already one of the best in the NBA. Let us take a look at that shot, and why he should attempt it more during his second season.

Step back

Mavs supporters saw plenty of Luka step backs. He hit his first one in the second game of the season against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The shot is absolutely deadly for the 20-year-old. It allows him to create space to get his jump shot off. Doncic can use his step back with his passing and driving ability to be one of the most difficult covers in the NBA.

Here is a look at how much space Luka creates with his step back courtesy of the Mavericks.

Last season, Luka Doncic hit 60 step back 3-pointers which was second in the NBA to James Harden.

Why he should shoot more

Doncic struggled a bit with his shooting efficiency as a rookie. That is common as players adjust to the league. Last season, he took 514 3-point attempts and made 168. That is a 32.7 percent connect rate.

According to NBA Stats, Doncic attempted 166 step back 3-pointers and hit 60 of them or 36.1 percent. That means he shot just 31.0 percent on his threes that were not step backs. Luka has a weapon there that he should use more in year two.

Harden is the example for Doncic. The Rockets guard made 36.8 percent on his 1,028 3-point attempts last season. Harden hit 38.9 percent of his 540 step back threes. He is proof that improving the volume of step backs could boost Doncic’s percentage.

Happy medium

Obviously, no NBA player can shoot entirely step backs. The threat of driving or pulling up makes going in reserve to get space more effective. Doncic should increase his step backs, though. It will boost his 3-point percentage and make defenses respect his incredible offensive game even more.

Dallas Mavericks fans should keep an eye on how Luka Doncic’s offense evolves playing next to Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavericks new duo should run plenty of pick and rolls. The gravity the Unicorn draws should create more open looks for Doncic. Expect a boost in efficiency from both players this season.

The Smoking Cuban will be here with analysis on the Mavericks that cannot be found anywhere plus all things Luka Doncic, so diehard supporters should return often to catch it all.