Former Mavericks guard offers advice to Luka Doncic on taking game to next level

The Dallas Mavericks want to build a title contender around Luka Doncic. They traded Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, one first-round draft pick, and two second-rounders for Kyrie Irving in February to be Luka’s co-star. The team struggled down the stretch and missed the playoffs entirely, but the front office believes they can build a championship roster around their two superstars.

Priority one is keeping Irving as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Kyrie wants a max contract, and it appears the Lakers will be serious suitors. Can the Mavericks convince the eight-time All-Star to stay? They have to do it or their biggest fear could become reality.

The Mavericks must add pieces around their stars to become title contenders. Dallas also needs the best version of Luka. Former Maverick Spencer Dinwiddie offered Doncic advice on how to reach that level and gave the front office some tips on how to build their roster moving forward.

Former Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie offers advice to Luka Doncic on taking his game to the next level

Spencer Dinwiddie joined Gilbert Arenas’ show to discuss a wide range of topics, and his time with the Mavericks was an early part of the episode. Dinwiddie replied to what Luka must do to make the Mavericks a championship contender with this.

"That’s tough. That’s my guy, and I love Dallas too. I think defense, obviously. He does give effort to a degree on that end, but it can be a higher level, and you want to get to a space where they are not hunting you. It is never good when your best player is getting targeted on defense. I think whenever the right roster gets around him, he’s going to have to change his playstyle a tiny bit."

Veteran NBA guard Brandon Jennings offered two different ways for number 77 to improve his game. He thinks Doncic needs to “get in shape and stop b*******”. Dinwiddie followed that up with this.

"To his shape, I think he’s in shape, but if you’re talking about that elite level like I can be at the rim every single time and defense. You know, we talking about Giannis and LeBron-type shape, then no, but he can hoop, though."

They all agreed that Doncic needs to get to that next level with his conditioning if he is going to lead the Mavs to a championship.

Dinwiddie was also asked about the Kyrie situation and making it work with Luka. He made it clear that Dallas needs floor spacing, elite rim protection, and long-rangy wings. The veteran guard mentioned Jerami Grant as the type of defender they need, and he was down on acquiring Deandre Ayton unless Dallas gets two elite wing defenders. Fans can hear the entire episode of Gil’s Arena with Spencer Dinwiddie below.

Luka Doncic certainly needs to improve his defense, conditioning, and temper. The Mavs must improve their perimeter defense, rim protection, and rebounding this summer if they want to jump back into contention. It is a busy summer for everyone and a crucial one for the franchise.

Spencer Dinwiddie saw the flaws up close, and he knows what the franchise must do to contend. Can Luka get the Dallas Mavericks back to the conference finals or beyond? Stay tuned to find out.