Dallas Mavericks: 5 takeaways for Luka Doncic from ‘The Last Dance’

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Dallas Mavericks Luka Dončić (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports) /

4. Winning has a cost

Episode seven of The Last Dance explored Michael Jordan’s competitiveness. There was talk of him chiding teammates and a practice scuffle with former Bulls guard Steve Kerr. The episode also produced this fantastic Jordan quote.

"“Look, winning has a price. And leadership has a price. So I pulled people along when they didn’t want to be pulled. I challenged people when they didn’t want to be challenged. And I earned that right because my teammates who came after me didn’t endure all the things that I endured.”"

Jordan went on to defend his leadership style. It takes greatness to win one NBA championship. That is the goal of all 30 teams entering every season. Only one organization takes it home. To win it six times in eight years takes special talent, but a tremendous amount of hard work too. MJ had to lift his teammates to a new level to reach that apex.

Must Read. Players will want to join Doncic in Dallas

Luka Doncic needs to find a way to get the same greatness out of his teammates. The Dallas Mavericks are not going to win a title with just Luka playing fantastically. Every playoff run needs each player in the rotation to step up in at least one game.

Jordan and Scottie Pippen had a stellar dynamic. Jordan was tough on his teammates. Pippen brought a gentler side but still managed to help them improve. It worked. Luka does not need to be Jordan or Pippen. He needs to find what works for him. How can he get the most out of his teammates? It is easier said than done.

Next: No. 3

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