Gilbert Arena is indirectly allying on Nico Harrison’s Lukadon Sic’s game ratings.
For six years, Luka Donsic gave the Dallas Mavericks a heart and soul. Doncic has been injured to ensure that Mavs remains competitive.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks never thought of him again before trading him for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since then, the Mavericks have only made things worse with general manager Nico Harrison and the top brass shades throwing shades on the previous Cornerstone superstar. One of the biggest reasons Harrison and Co. presented to justify their decision was to underestimate Donsic’s defensive capabilities.
When it comes to scoring, there are few players at the edge of the floor who are better than Donsic. But for many years, critics have always summoned Luke on the defensive side.
With the LA Lakers removed in the first round, Doncic has the opportunity to prove the suspects wrong with their long offseason training schedule.
Speaking of which, former NBA star Gilbert Arena recently issued a verdict on what fans should expect from a five times the NBA All-Star.
“I think he’ll be in a better shape. What about defense? I don’t know anything about it. You either defend or you don’t. I’m not just trying to become a lockdown defender,” Arenas announced.
Arenas expects Don Sic to be in better shape, but he has yet to see the Lakers star improve his defense.
The 2025-26 NBA season is important in determining which team between the Mavericks and Lakers won the Don Chic deal.
On the one hand, the Lakers are expected to make some key decisions in the offseason to strengthen their supporting cast.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks, landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, sent a wave of hope among Dallas fans.
It will be interesting to see Doncic play with a chip on his shoulder to prove that Harrison and Co. were wrong to trade him, or whether they prove right about their decision.