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They’ve been called: Hustle and Flow, Fire and Ice, Billy & Sidney (WMCJ) they’re the two young cornerstones of the Dallas Mavericks and the future of the franchise rests on their foreign and domestic shoulders.
Ever since Luka was drafted the question of Dennis Smith Jr.’s fit with him has loomed over this franchise. It’s the single biggest storyline this season.
We know Doncic is good and we’ve seen flashes from Smith Jr. but the word is still out on how good he can be and in what role.
Can these two coexist? Many early signs point to no… In 426 Min played together they have a 100.9 Offensive rating. That ranks 131st out of 137 total Two-Man lineups that have played at least 400 minutes together so far this season.
They’re also 2nd to last among that group in Ast/TO ratio, right behind Dennis and DeAndre Jordan. The offense has been quite terrible when Dennis and Luka share the court.
Luka has already established himself not just as just the best young cornerstone but as the best player on the Mavericks.
And as Luka’s offensive profile grows Dennis Smith Jr. is being forced to play without the ball in his hands more often.
Then when he does get the ball Dennis looks as if he feels the need to take advantage and make something happen for himself or a teammate. Luka and Dennis both have a ‘your-turn-my-turn’ offensive relationship right now. Which was to be expected.
And while they’ve both shown flashes, neither player is very good defensively right now. They consistently lose their man after a single screen and lack of effort has been an issue.
So those are the obviously glaring problems that have been well documented. But let’s take a look at the things that are working for the Mavericks two cornerstones.
Comment below if you think the Mavs should keep experimenting with Dennis & Luka playing together or if they should just focus on whatever gives them the best chance to win right now.
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