Dallas Mavericks: 5 biggest takeaways from 2021 media day

Biggest takeaway from Dallas Mavericks media day: 2. Luka needs help

Jason Kidd talked about Luka Doncic during media day, including comparing the 22-year-old to painter Pablo Picasso. See the Hall of Famer’s quote below.

"Well, I look at Luka as a young Picasso. Someone who is very talented, loves to win, and understands how to play the game at a high level. I don't know if anyone ever told Picasso that he has to use all the paints, but I just want to remind him that he can rely on his teammates. That his teammates are going to be there to help. I am very excited to have this opportunity to work with a young Picasso, whose paintings have been incredible to this point, and are only going to get better with time and age."

Doncic was asked about this quote, and he agreed with Kidd’s assessment that he needs to get teammates more involved.

It is not just about the assists either. Luka did finish fifth in the league by averaging 8.6 per game last season, but his usage rate needs to decline to give him more energy late in games. Fans saw the 22-year-old struggle in the fourth quarter in the playoffs because he was out of gas after being asked to do it all offensively. Doncic needs more help, and he has to trust that his teammates will get the job done.

Expect Kidd to try to get the ball out of Luka’s hands a bit. It could mean playing him with Jalen Brunson for longer stretches or finding ways for others to initiate the offense. A little less Doncic on the ball could turn an energized Luka into one of the best closers in the game. This will be an interesting storyline to follow all season because it could have massive implications on the team’s success.