I went to High School with Luka in Spain. And just to clarify when he came to Madrid he was 13 but he was not on the pro team, but he was the Madrid Youth team, after that when he was 15 then became professional and he was playing good minutes already. During his time on the Madrid youth team, HE WON EVERYTHING (MVP's, Titles...) we knew he was gonna be something special, but nobody thought it was gonna be this early
@@drianmartan9450 It's true about college bball too, so not surprising. The NBA has by far the most space and free movement due to the way it's called combined with great playmaking, mobility and shooting. There is so much more bumping ball handlers out top in other leagues. In NBA you're giving FT's if you try it.
What make him different is his spacial awarness (knowing were he is and were his opponent is even without looking), his sense of anticipation (knowing what move his opponent will make), his timing (knowing when his opponent will make his move, and knowing when to shoot, dribble or pass), his composure (ability to stay calm and focus while running fast or being surrounded by many opponents), his decision making and his ability to put his body in the right place/angle to protect the ball, and of course his amazing vision and handles. This is what i mean when i say bball IQ, and Doncic excels in every of these things, just like some of the best football players : Messi, Neymar, Zidane, Hazard, Iniesta, Xavi ect are some of the best players ever and they are all not athletic but possess the qualities i mentionned AKA football IQ. And i think Euro players have these qualities because they played football all their childhood, even Steve nash who is canadian played football and you can see all these qualities in him. So yeah thats what make doncic an amazing player.
@@Anthonydu01630 i think doncic poses everything, he will improve his defense and athletism and he still will have fundamentals to rely on and he is very cheaky with his moves if players are not 100% aware!! Luka = messi + C. ronaldo, ronaldo build his body/athletism over time, he was skinny dude so wait until luka does same and then luka will be biggest sport sensation!!!
@@whistlesports if he can keep his knees & ankles healthy He has more mileage on those 21 yr old legs & ankles than anyone his age...prob more mileage on him than any 21 year old NBA player of all time!! What helps him thrive & shine today..could end up being detrimental down the road!!! This is comimg from a big time Dallas fan an big time Luka fan!!! He is a generational talent, just hopes he can stay healthy
@@johnpierce4778 that’s not true all these guys have mileage on them luka played pro at 16 but he played like 40 games a year overseas most of the American players that played Travel ball and aau would play probably close to 60-70 if we include high school the things is with luka he doesn’t shoot it well and besides that he’s really a finished product so he’s probably not going to get any better then what he is right now
I see him as a threat to be one of the highest scorers in NBA history. I mean think about it. He’s going to average at least like 25-28 for the next 10 years, and can probably do it for even longer since he doesn’t need his athleticism as much as other players. He could prolly do this until he’s at least 35. Such a transformative player. Going through a rough patch with a struggling Mavs team but he’s going to get there. True purist.
Luka has very impressive stats and is incredibly good for his age but when he will be in a top team with other good scorers i think he won’t score as much. For exemple when Lebron was in cleveland his first 7 seasons he averaged more points than in his prime with the heat because he had to carry his team, so he averaged more points but on lower efficiency. Lebron career high was in 2005 at 21yo, he averaged 31.4 ppg on 23.1 field goal attempted per game and with an effective field goal% of .515, and in his 4 seasons with the heat he averaged 27points, but on only 18.2 FGA with an EFG% of .577. So he scored less, but was more efficient. And its the same for basically every superstar, Jordan career high is in 86, he averaged 37ppg on 27.8 FGA and with an EFG% of .484, but in his prime in his first 3peat he averaged 31.4, but on 23.6 FGA and withan EFG% of .529. So history show us that when a player do everythings on his team it’s not a good thing and his team wont win and thats excactly what is happening with Doncic and the mavs, he has very impressive stats but his team dont win. So if Luka want to win a championship, he will have to go to a good team with other good players and his numbers will drop, if it happens i think he will average something like 25ppg, 7apg and 7rpg, not more because i don’t think Doncic will ever be as efficient as Lebron, because he can’t attack the rim like Lebron so if his shooting efficiency doesnt improve drastically he won’t have MVP level stats.
@Barry Obama he doesn't need the athleticism of Zion or LeBron. He is still outstanding attacking the rim with his craftyness. Everyone watching a single game of Luka knows that. He doesn't dunk often, but his crafty layups and floaters kill the other team too ;)
I can see him becoming the all time highest scorer if he stays healthy. With his play style, he could probably play till like age 38. He just scored 60 But a player like Zion for example, I think will not have a long career due to injuries. Just my guess. He plays more aggressive
One thing you're really forgetting is strength. He averages more rebounds than most any guard in NBA history and many NBA players talk about how strong he is in the post. Gets lots of and1s and backs bigger players down.
Would love to see Gil as a national TV analyst one day. He's entertaining and the guy breaks the game down to where anybody can understand it. In addition to having played PG (Combo) at such an elite level, he does a great job of articulating his particular perspective making it feel like a behind-the-scenes look from a vantage point where only a select few have been. HiBaCHi !
Nah it's a hype job with alotta ppl behind him and I respect that. But he's too basic ez to scout and shut down come playoff time. Be another decade before Mavs see a chip...like last time
Give this man a wholesome applause. He is so far the best analyst/player analyst for me cause he knows how to concede with the things he was thought to be right but end up being the opposite
And if you ask Luka, he just did it without thinking. He probably wouldn't even know what he did it's instinct for him. So if you have to think about it, he's already 1 move in front of you, the process repeats and you're 3 steps behind. This is because Luka has been surrounded with basketball from day 1 of his life. He grew up visiting dad's Sasa every professional home game. He knew the game before he even understood it. It's like riding a bike for him. It's not second nature for him. It's first. Add up his size, overall intellect, flare for the game, his on camera charisma, model girlfriend since they were kids .... Bum! Luka magic. It's hard to believe It's his 3rd season in NBA, isn't it?
What make him different is his spacial awarness (knowing were he is and were his opponent is even without looking), his sense of anticipation (knowing what move his opponent will make), his timing (knowing when his opponent will make his move, and knowing when to shoot, dribble or pass), his composure (ability to stay calm and focus while running fast or being surrounded by many opponents), his decision making and his ability to put his body in the right place/angle to protect the ball, and of course his amazing vision and handles. This is what i mean when i say bball IQ, and Doncic excels in every of these things, just like some of the best football players : Messi, Neymar, Zidane, Hazard, Iniesta, Xavi ect are some of the best players ever and they are all not athletic but possess the qualities i mentionned AKA football IQ. And i think Euro players have these qualities because they played football all their childhood, even Steve nash who is canadian played football and you can see all these qualities in him. So yeah thats what make doncic an amazing player.
I would replace "fundamentals used against athleticism" with the phrases "changes in tempo" - Luka is able to control the pace of the game, shift tempo... that makes him special
@@1b0o0 Not technically. Imagine Luka as a technical fighter, who has precision, high fight IQ and timing vs a fighter who has power, athleticism and speed. It doesnt matter if the power guy throws knockout punches as long as Luka counters at the perfect time, Luka still wins.
this his football knowledge + skill taking effect, in football the teams with players who shift the pace of the game and slow down the tempo with vision and utilise technique over athleticism usually win the games
He was a pro when he was just a boy. 16 is incredibly young. But he was playing against college and highschool players when he was only 13-14, so that's insane too.
@@ianbranham4552 That's not uncommon in Europe. Dražen Petrović started playing for the pro team when he was 15, and when he was 18 he led his team to win the championship in the Yugoslav league, which was the best league in Europe at the time. Vlade Divac debuted in the same league when he was 15, and played for the national team of Yugoslavia when he was 18 - and he was on the court in crucial moments in the World Championship semifinal. Toni Kukoč and Dino Radja were 17 when they started playing professionaly. Arvydas Sabonis was 18 when he started playing for the Soviet Union NT. David Blatt started giving minutes to Aleksej Pokuševski in the Euroleague when he was 16, but unfortunately, Mr. Blat got ill :/
"playing professional since 12,13" - I really don't like this phrase, what does that even mean? Yeah, he went to Spain, but he still played in youth categories, just like kids do in the U.S. and everywhere else around the world. It's true he went in a great basketball environment in Madrid (just like hundreds of other kids), where they helped to develop his potential, but that does not make him a professional at 12. Luka was just a kid (and he still has quite some of that child inside of him) with an amazing, unique talent, who chose the right path. Everything else is spot on, great to see no chill gil doing something else than trolling Swaggy P and his kids :D
Well, he signed a professional contract at 13 years old. He only played on the main real madrid team at 16 but since he got a contract at 13 he is technically a pro since that age.
@@homesol6685 I never said he played pro at 13. I said he signed a professional contract at age 13, if not him, his guardian which at the time was his mother who was with him most of the time because his father was a pro
You’re crazy. He didn’t go to a traditional school. He went to a bball factory. It’s like Oak Hill on roids. Also he was professionally being paid to hoop at 13, IF you think he wasn’t playing against adults and being put in front of people who paid a ticket, you don’t understand finance
More like a mix of James harden and ... James harden lol. I dont know about you but for me Doncic play exactly like Harden+ their body are similar, same weight, harden is just a bit shorter but more muscular, harden is just more powerful and explosive but except that they are the same.
It looks to me that Luka is getting more fat at every new season. Just compare his face at his rookie season with now. I often wonder how he can perform at that level with such a poor physique knowing he's the leader of the team. I am glad it's still working for him but time will be his biggest enemy if he doesn't put more efforts on his athletism. I like that he's a true purist tho. I just hope his best years are ahead and not the ones we've seen so far
Robert Vrhovec lol maybe if he learned how to play off ball and if he becomes an elite defender and a way better leader, then maybe just maybe he has a slim chance. Or else he’s literally going to be harden 2.0
I self admittedly stopped watching the NBA for alittle bit , I actually like playing 2K more than watching lately but I used to watch games for Dirk. Dude was so different for his time, and now Dallas has their heir apparent in Luka and he has that same vibe. Hes a euro player but theres just something different about that cat. Got me watching the NBA again.
What make him different is his spacial awarness (knowing were he is and were his opponent is even without looking), his sense of anticipation (knowing what move his opponent will make), his timing (knowing when his opponent will make his move, and knowing when to shoot, dribble or pass), his composure (ability to stay calm and focus while running fast or being surrounded by many opponents), his decision making and his ability to put his body in the right place/angle to protect the ball, and of course his amazing vision and handles. This is what i mean when i say bball IQ, and Doncic excels in every of these things, just like some of the best football players : Messi, Neymar, Zidane, Hazard, Iniesta, Xavi ect are some of the best players ever and they are all not athletic but possess the qualities i mentionned AKA football IQ. And i think Euro players have these qualities because they played football all their childhood, even Steve nash who is canadian played football and you can see all these qualities in him. So yeah thats what make doncic an amazing player.
He also had a big advantage in that his dad played pro (in Europe). So he had a good teacher from early on. Good genes, good teaching/training/coaching. Good connections. Etc All the advantages His dad also seems to like sports in general so probably just analyzed all these sports a lot, and that's where you really develop IQ because you're thinking about all these things that you mentioned like timing, angles, space, etc, which yes is very important to soccer, but also just about every sport.
But it’s not a knock on him for being pro at a young age. If someone mentions it, it’s the truth. Doesn’t take anything away from him at all simply cus he’s not the first young pro. Young Euro league players have always been known for being more fundamental than young American players. That’s why luka is my favorite player
Fundamentals Fundamentals Fundamentals. That's how you learn basketball in Europe. Not saying it's better, because most start at a later age after football, but it's another philosophy. Just like building a house. Without a solid base the roof comes down! You tell 'm agent 0
@@Jstacksxxx I wonder how the fundamentals of American players would be of they played in a Dutch sports environment. Over here you start playing football (soccer) on the streets until about 5 years and then most join a club. And most of the time you you go through the ranks and stay untill you're old and can't play anymore. If you're any good a pro club could pick you up from the age of 10/11 and you go into the youth programme. Imagen this system in American basketball with the talent there is. Shaq with the Jokers skills 😳
@@illusion2438 And yet... What if Hakeem started earlier then age 15 or Giannis before age 14, even though Greece is a big basketball country. They all wanted to be football (soccer) star before picking up basketball.
@@MarcelL-DM the league would be light years better than it is now and the commissioner wouldn’t have to change rules for 20 years straight just to make the offenses look better. AAU in America has ruin the nba. I feel like we would visually see the decline of the nba if it wasn’t for the rule changes.
Nice, didn't know much about Gilbert, other than watching and respecting him for years. I appreciate this insight into him on his insight on another, much respect.
@@whistlesports Word, nice seein' him talk about it. Can't help but cross-reference with "analysts" on main stream networks. Leaps and bounds ahead. Facts.
At least u know he got work to do and not just calling him the goat let him win 1 ring first im not a luka hater but can he get out the first round but i think he's top 10 in the nba now maybe top 5
Remember when everyone made fun of Luka for saying it was easier to score in the NBA then in Europe. What he said was true, he learned the fundamentals and he honed every little fundamental to the highest level. In America everyone drools over athleticism, though it's very VERY! important, fundamentals are also as important in the sport, and most American athlete only learns and hones the fundamentals when they make it to the league.
@@bhavyasavani6770 NBA also teaches fundamentals, but in the NBA you will get preferred more if you are freakishly more athletic, someone who doesn't look like it or is not athletic is automatically made the second choice every time. They jude a player's whole future in the NBA by how athletic he is, someone less athletic is deemed to be a bust even before they're drafted. Best example would be Steph Curry, he isn't that athletic, he didn't receive any major scholarship in college and wasn't even considered a top pick because he was small and not athletic. Then he went ahead and became one of the best players the NBA has ever seen.
@@bhavyasavani6770 don't get me wrong, Athleticism is very important especially at the top level, and most all time greats were freakishly athletic, but today the sport has evolved to a point were even if you're not that athletically gifted you can make do with fundamentals, but many are still unable to accept that, and still continue to overlook that aspect of a player.
Lukas amazing basketball fundamentals are the reason none of these athletic superstars know how to guard luka, luka consistently has 40-45 point games like it's a walk in the park, alot of these super athletic and fast NBA superstars have no basketball fundamentals, great basketball fundamentals beats great athleticism and speed every time, it's the most important part of being a great player and alot of these stars only rely on speed and athleticism yet they have no basketball fundamentals
@@moses9426 having great bas fundamentals is alot more important than being athletic which is the reason why none of these athletic superstars know how to guard luka, all these athletic superstars or most of them at least have no basketball fundamentals at all, luka doncic has 40-45 point games like it's cake work because of his amazing athleticism
You are absolutly right. Its easier because nobody defends the rim like in europe, due to multiple things like this rules 3 second violation or the less compititive format competition(win or die vs 82 regular season games in 6 months), and also the court is smaller so there are less space in Europe. What gilbert Arenas says about fundamentals is right, but even he does not understand the full package or at least dont speak well about it .... and the some things happen when he was playing. The difference between Gasol, Kukoc or Doncic is that Doncic is just better, but fundamentals is not what make you have a hight basketball IQ. You have to understand the full game.
Its actually back handed compliment to imply Luka is so good because he played pro over seas so young. No doubt it helped him be ready for the NBA at a younger age, but Lukas actually just naturally gifted in a basketball genius kind of way that LeBron, Magic and Bird are. Its not like you just put any 6'8 American over seas at 16 and they'll end up as good and fundamentally sound as Luka.
That comment (3:23 - 3:53) about MJ watching Bird's fundamentals and deciding to add that to his bag is BS! Jordan spent 3 years under Dean Smith at UNC and 1 summer under Bobby Knight during the Olympics, so he had tons of fundamentals coming INTO the league PLUS he also had athleticism! He may have refined his game as he got older but he was very fundamentally sound coming out of college!
He did NOT play PRO from 12-13, He started (just couple of games at 16) but really started playing PRO (with senior team) at 17... Anyway great review from agent 0
He started early...but not 13! I think he made his debut when he was about 16. However, its strange how fast he become that good, he was not so dominant here in Spain.
Jordan was the combination of elite athleticism and fundamental basketball skills learned under Dean Smith at UNC. John Wooden said that Dean Smith was the greatest teacher of basketball. The quality of basketball in NBA has deteriorated with the one-and-dones but it gets masked by the athleticism and streetball style of play but players like Luka exposes this phenomenon.
Every European player is a pro earlier than college players. I can't emphasize that enough. When people say that Luka is only developed to this extent because he was a pro earlier on it's ridiculous because so were many other Europeans but they're not on his level. What they would be right to say is that any generational talent that gets started early can develop earlier, but not just any player.
I remember the biggest pre draft arguments on luka was un-athlethic and that he "only" played euroleague competition which by the way is way better than college. When Luka broke out, those same haters said "oh but it's because he played professional ball since he was a kid"😂 I can understand there where doubts among analysts that hadn't seen him before, but those who followed luka before the nba knew he was the real deal.
i think some people don't understand how big luka is. He's a big guard, Big shooting guard, average small forward. He's an all around type player and can improve more...
If the NBA won't give him a coaching job, I'd love to see him coach his alum... My wildcats! He'd be great for college athletes, plus Az is already a heavily recruited school. He'd just add to the juice Lute started.
Luka's athleticism & balance is underrated BUT the fascinating thing is that he has an ability to lean into his "slowness" as a strength. To compare it with baseball, it's like a pitcher who can only throw 100 MPH fastballs vs. someone who throws a 90 MPH fastball, but also a 65 MPH changeup and all with total control and deception.
It was so obvious he was far and above everyone else, as someone who is not from the U.S. but lived there for 4 years, it's fascinating to see how race shapes everything in the U.S. including what makes a great basketball player in the eyes of most americans, another aspect is a lot of american NBA players just hate admitting when a foreigner is better than them, that's why they were in denial with Luka.
As a European and a guy who watches NBA every single day(1-4AM) *AND* a guy who played against Luka when he was 12-13 i get really annoyed when ppl say he was playing pro when he was 12-13... Dude started pro at *16 YEARS OLD* and in his debut made a 3 pointer. Yes he was amazing, and at 13 better than most 15-16yo but stop the nonsence. Those of us who played him knew he would be special since he always was special, and experience gained while *training* at a young age with older kids and pros and later *playing* did help him BUT THAT'S ONLY BECAUSE HE WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO BE ALLOWED THAT KIND OF TREATMENT
It’s really not. As a Mavericks fan I can confirm 100 percent that us missing 4 starters for about a month total is the main reason we’ve been playing bad. Luka Owundo Green James Willie Caulley Stein Can win with that line up. Expect them to play better these next few games. We just need to get Dwight Powell back in there now.
Luka understands what Momentum is and can use your own against you. When you make a Step to the right, After a shoulder fake or something, you Need a Split secound to change to the left cause your body still moving right and your brain also Needs time to react. Hes moves like a soccer player with his footwork like hakeem.
The only thing he got wrong was about Jordan. In college Jordan learned the fundamentals from Dean Smith who forced him to focus on them. Regardless, the point was made perfectly and Gilbert is a great analyst.
Check out our NEW episode with Gil on DAMIAN LILLARD! ruclips.net/video/oOdjW1Qp2Cs/видео.html
@Khari Jase m
I went to High School with Luka in Spain. And just to clarify when he came to Madrid he was 13 but he was not on the pro team, but he was the Madrid Youth team, after that when he was 15 then became professional and he was playing good minutes already. During his time on the Madrid youth team, HE WON EVERYTHING (MVP's, Titles...) we knew he was gonna be something special, but nobody thought it was gonna be this early
What was he like in high school?
@@Jg-gb3gp he was the type of person to walk up to you and then take a step back.
Se nota que desde pequeño el tenia talento y pasion.
Gonzalo A. Smith
@@anthonyma8098 omg bro u almost killed me with that one :D HAHAH
Kobe made that point a long time ago about how foreign players are taught fundamentals rather than to rely purely on athleticism.
Also playing soccer from an early age helped them with their eye-foot coordination. Kobe said that also.
@@mashwork6615 soccer players are always the best playmakers, and off ball movers when you play pick up games with them.
Luka said it’s easier to score in the league than euro
@@drianmartan9450 It's true about college bball too, so not surprising. The NBA has by far the most space and free movement due to the way it's called combined with great playmaking, mobility and shooting. There is so much more bumping ball handlers out top in other leagues. In NBA you're giving FT's if you try it.
American kids are taught the fundamentals too. They just choose not to master them.
'Fundamentals kills raw athleticism'. Truth
What make him different is his spacial awarness (knowing were he is and were his opponent is even without looking), his sense of anticipation (knowing what move his opponent will make), his timing (knowing when his opponent will make his move, and knowing when to shoot, dribble or pass), his composure (ability to stay calm and focus while running fast or being surrounded by many opponents), his decision making and his ability to put his body in the right place/angle to protect the ball, and of course his amazing vision and handles.
This is what i mean when i say bball IQ, and Doncic excels in every of these things, just like some of the best football players : Messi, Neymar, Zidane, Hazard, Iniesta, Xavi ect are some of the best players ever and they are all not athletic but possess the qualities i mentionned AKA football IQ. And i think Euro players have these qualities because they played football all their childhood, even Steve nash who is canadian played football and you can see all these qualities in him. So yeah thats what make doncic an amazing player.
Thats why MJ is the Goat because he had everything!
Manu Ginobili is also a fundamental type of player also Toni Parker
@@Anthonydu01630 i think doncic poses everything, he will improve his defense and athletism and he still will have fundamentals to rely on and he is very cheaky with his moves if players are not 100% aware!! Luka = messi + C. ronaldo, ronaldo build his body/athletism over time, he was skinny dude so wait until luka does same and then luka will be biggest sport sensation!!!
@ThOmas J nash is most definitely Canadian. He only lived in South Africa for 2 years. He spent his entire Life up until college in Canada
this dude looks and plays like he is 27 and about to enter his prime. This dude is 21 thats crazy
So true! Gonna be a beast for years to come
Arenas is actually even older!
@@whistlesports if he can keep his knees & ankles healthy
He has more mileage on those 21 yr old legs & ankles than anyone his age...prob more mileage on him than any 21 year old NBA player of all time!! What helps him thrive & shine today..could end up being detrimental down the road!!! This is comimg from a big time Dallas fan an big time Luka fan!!! He is a generational talent, just hopes he can stay healthy
Basically is, been a pro since he was 16.
@@johnpierce4778 that’s not true all these guys have mileage on them luka played pro at 16 but he played like 40 games a year overseas most of the American players that played Travel ball and aau would play probably close to 60-70 if we include high school the things is with luka he doesn’t shoot it well and besides that he’s really a finished product so he’s probably not going to get any better then what he is right now
I see him as a threat to be one of the highest scorers in NBA history. I mean think about it. He’s going to average at least like 25-28 for the next 10 years, and can probably do it for even longer since he doesn’t need his athleticism as much as other players. He could prolly do this until he’s at least 35. Such a transformative player. Going through a rough patch with a struggling Mavs team but he’s going to get there. True purist.
Luka has very impressive stats and is incredibly good for his age but when he will be in a top team with other good scorers i think he won’t score as much. For exemple when Lebron was in cleveland his first 7 seasons he averaged more points than in his prime with the heat because he had to carry his team, so he averaged more points but on lower efficiency. Lebron career high was in 2005 at 21yo, he averaged 31.4 ppg on 23.1 field goal attempted per game and with an effective field goal% of .515, and in his 4 seasons with the heat he averaged 27points, but on only 18.2 FGA with an EFG% of .577. So he scored less, but was more efficient.
And its the same for basically every superstar, Jordan career high is in 86, he averaged 37ppg on 27.8 FGA and with an EFG% of .484, but in his prime in his first 3peat he averaged 31.4, but on 23.6 FGA and withan EFG% of .529.
So history show us that when a player do everythings on his team it’s not a good thing and his team wont win and thats excactly what is happening with Doncic and the mavs, he has very impressive stats but his team dont win. So if Luka want to win a championship, he will have to go to a good team with other good players and his numbers will drop, if it happens i think he will average something like 25ppg, 7apg and 7rpg, not more because i don’t think Doncic will ever be as efficient as Lebron, because he can’t attack the rim like Lebron so if his shooting efficiency doesnt improve drastically he won’t have MVP level stats.
@@Anthonydu01630 he can't attack the rim? Did you even watch a single game of Luka? xD
@Barry Obama he doesn't need the athleticism of Zion or LeBron. He is still outstanding attacking the rim with his craftyness. Everyone watching a single game of Luka knows that. He doesn't dunk often, but his crafty layups and floaters kill the other team too ;)
@@dantealighieri1265 if he had the athleticism of lebron he'd easily be the greatest player ever, god had to nerf him
I can see him becoming the all time highest scorer if he stays healthy.
With his play style, he could probably play till like age 38.
He just scored 60
But a player like Zion for example, I think will not have a long career due to injuries. Just my guess. He plays more aggressive
One thing you're really forgetting is strength. He averages more rebounds than most any guard in NBA history and many NBA players talk about how strong he is in the post. Gets lots of and1s and backs bigger players down.
Yes and people often confuse strenght and athleticism but those are 2 totally different things.
@@beogradskifantom4148 nobody confuses strength and athleticism
@@giziemcbarns lol
Does he only play PG?
Would love to see Gil as a national TV analyst one day. He's entertaining and the guy breaks the game down to where anybody can understand it. In addition to having played PG (Combo) at such an elite level, he does a great job of articulating his particular perspective making it feel like a behind-the-scenes look from a vantage point where only a select few have been.
HiBaCHi !
he's a dumm sellouttt
Would he bring a loaded gun to the studio?
@Barry Obama The Arenas provision isn't a pro for him.
@@kevinmclain6741
You'd have to ask him 🤷🏻♂️
@@alxndrlpzhuh? It literally means when you pay someone and they are utter trash it won’t hit the cap
Can we get a breakdown of a center? A Nikola Jokic breakdown would be dope!
Great suggestion!
@Zon Yea the best center in the league embiid
@Zon i mean he played well last playoffs , not one game defines him
The dude knows what he’s talking about
All good, just one thing he mess, Luka was 16y.o when become a PRO not 13
@@robertvrhovec9696 he signed a professional contract when he was 13 and played in the main real madrid team at 16.
Nah it's a hype job with alotta ppl behind him and I respect that. But he's too basic ez to scout and shut down come playoff time. Be another decade before Mavs see a chip...like last time
@@miyagifatghost2684 we'll see
@@miyagifatghost2684 You're wrong about him completely
I have never heard him being compared to Micheal Jordan and Larry Bird. Learned something new . Great video
Thanks! 🙏
I've definitely heard him being compared to bird, both fundamentaly sound
He didn’t compare luka to either one lol
Really? Ive heard it a ton.
@@shakasalaam4450 bird and luka r completely different players. Ppl compares them just cuz they both white...
Give this man a wholesome applause. He is so far the best analyst/player analyst for me cause he knows how to concede with the things he was thought to be right but end up being the opposite
Only that you tend to lose credibility once you start getting a lot of your takes wrong. See what he said about Giannis
And if you ask Luka, he just did it without thinking. He probably wouldn't even know what he did it's instinct for him. So if you have to think about it, he's already 1 move in front of you, the process repeats and you're 3 steps behind.
This is because Luka has been surrounded with basketball from day 1 of his life. He grew up visiting dad's Sasa every professional home game. He knew the game before he even understood it.
It's like riding a bike for him. It's not second nature for him. It's first.
Add up his size, overall intellect, flare for the game, his on camera charisma, model girlfriend since they were kids .... Bum! Luka magic. It's hard to believe It's his 3rd season in NBA, isn't it?
What make him different is his spacial awarness (knowing were he is and were his opponent is even without looking), his sense of anticipation (knowing what move his opponent will make), his timing (knowing when his opponent will make his move, and knowing when to shoot, dribble or pass), his composure (ability to stay calm and focus while running fast or being surrounded by many opponents), his decision making and his ability to put his body in the right place/angle to protect the ball, and of course his amazing vision and handles.
This is what i mean when i say bball IQ, and Doncic excels in every of these things, just like some of the best football players : Messi, Neymar, Zidane, Hazard, Iniesta, Xavi ect are some of the best players ever and they are all not athletic but possess the qualities i mentionned AKA football IQ. And i think Euro players have these qualities because they played football all their childhood, even Steve nash who is canadian played football and you can see all these qualities in him. So yeah thats what make doncic an amazing player.
@@Anthonydu01630 facts
he actually said this on jj's podcast lol. He just tries stuff in the flow of the game
I would replace "fundamentals used against athleticism" with the phrases "changes in tempo" - Luka is able to control the pace of the game, shift tempo... that makes him special
I agree for someone who isn't Athletic he looks like a ballet dancer playing statues.
Being able to do said "changes in tempo" constantly against "better" athletes shows that those changes in tempo also count as athleticism.
@@1b0o0 Not technically. Imagine Luka as a technical fighter, who has precision, high fight IQ and timing vs a fighter who has power, athleticism and speed. It doesnt matter if the power guy throws knockout punches as long as Luka counters at the perfect time, Luka still wins.
this his football knowledge + skill taking effect, in football the teams with players who shift the pace of the game and slow down the tempo with vision and utilise technique over athleticism usually win the games
@@edwardjames6880 the dude has a 30 plus inch vertical. What are you talking about?
Luka plays pro since he was 16, when he played his first Game with Real Madrid, not since 12-13 years old man that's insane
You say that likes its not insane he was playing pro at even 16. Its insane no matter which age to be at a pro level
@@ianbranham4552 Still information is wrong. He start playing for first team from 16-17yrs. There he was offered profesional contract.
But he always played against player who are older than him, yeah so he must adapt his game
He was a pro when he was just a boy. 16 is incredibly young. But he was playing against college and highschool players when he was only 13-14, so that's insane too.
@@ianbranham4552 That's not uncommon in Europe. Dražen Petrović started playing for the pro team when he was 15, and when he was 18 he led his team to win the championship in the Yugoslav league, which was the best league in Europe at the time. Vlade Divac debuted in the same league when he was 15, and played for the national team of Yugoslavia when he was 18 - and he was on the court in crucial moments in the World Championship semifinal. Toni Kukoč and Dino Radja were 17 when they started playing professionaly. Arvydas Sabonis was 18 when he started playing for the Soviet Union NT. David Blatt started giving minutes to Aleksej Pokuševski in the Euroleague when he was 16, but unfortunately, Mr. Blat got ill :/
"playing professional since 12,13" - I really don't like this phrase, what does that even mean? Yeah, he went to Spain, but he still played in youth categories, just like kids do in the U.S. and everywhere else around the world. It's true he went in a great basketball environment in Madrid (just like hundreds of other kids), where they helped to develop his potential, but that does not make him a professional at 12. Luka was just a kid (and he still has quite some of that child inside of him) with an amazing, unique talent, who chose the right path.
Everything else is spot on, great to see no chill gil doing something else than trolling Swaggy P and his kids :D
Well, he signed a professional contract at 13 years old. He only played on the main real madrid team at 16 but since he got a contract at 13 he is technically a pro since that age.
@@MrBones2002 Saying he's been playing pro ball since 13 is misleading if he didn't start playing with the adults until 16.
@@369pendulum he should have said he signed his first professional contract at the age of 13
@@homesol6685 I never said he played pro at 13. I said he signed a professional contract at age 13, if not him, his guardian which at the time was his mother who was with him most of the time because his father was a pro
You’re crazy. He didn’t go to a traditional school. He went to a bball factory. It’s like Oak Hill on roids. Also he was professionally being paid to hoop at 13, IF you think he wasn’t playing against adults and being put in front of people who paid a ticket, you don’t understand finance
I wish Derrick Rose learned fundamentals... He wouldve been such a dominant force for so many more years.
@Barry Obama Ja really reminds me of Rose, he needs to learn how to soften his landing or his career might get cut short.
Luka has a bright future!
I would’ve loved seeing agent 0 in this generation of ball.
That’s Damien Lillard
@@mo2k638 thats a pretty decent comparison I would say but Gilbert was a lot more powerful
I had the pleasure of watching him destroy my team in high school. Gilbert was just so above everyone else at that age it was crazy.
Me too, play off Agent 0 is fun to watch
@@manimal9871 he can’t make free throw 😂
I loved it when Luka hit LeBron with his own move 😏
I’d say he’s more like a mix of the Mamba and Kareem. He’s got a lot moves and can play big with finesse at times.
Love that comparison!
I think he's more like Luka
More like a mix of James harden and ... James harden lol. I dont know about you but for me Doncic play exactly like Harden+ their body are similar, same weight, harden is just a bit shorter but more muscular, harden is just more powerful and explosive but except that they are the same.
Luka's strength is so underrated. Big guys bounce off him when he drives into the paint
It looks to me that Luka is getting more fat at every new season. Just compare his face at his rookie season with now. I often wonder how he can perform at that level with such a poor physique knowing he's the leader of the team. I am glad it's still working for him but time will be his biggest enemy if he doesn't put more efforts on his athletism. I like that he's a true purist tho. I just hope his best years are ahead and not the ones we've seen so far
Will Luka Doncic go down as the BEST player of this generation? 🤔 If not Luka then who??
not as long as obi toppin is around
I mean it's obviously Kyle Kuzma , silly questions 😂😂😂
Pro the comment stupid its caurso hes going to play till hes 70 like what but serioudly luka is way better than obi in his rookie season
He going to be a GOAT 110%
Robert Vrhovec lol maybe if he learned how to play off ball and if he becomes an elite defender and a way better leader, then maybe just maybe he has a slim chance. Or else he’s literally going to be harden 2.0
I self admittedly stopped watching the NBA for alittle bit , I actually like playing 2K more than watching lately but I used to watch games for Dirk. Dude was so different for his time, and now Dallas has their heir apparent in Luka and he has that same vibe. Hes a euro player but theres just something different about that cat. Got me watching the NBA again.
Cade Cunningham reminds me a lot of Luka!! He’s just smooth with it!
Good call! Can't wait to see him in the league...
Good too see Gilbert Arenas back. He was one of my fav players !
"Oh man, hes about to eat"🤣🎯
🔥🔥🔥
excellent analysis, Luka pace allows him to have an awesome vision as well, he can think on several possible plays and that is scary.
What make him different is his spacial awarness (knowing were he is and were his opponent is even without looking), his sense of anticipation (knowing what move his opponent will make), his timing (knowing when his opponent will make his move, and knowing when to shoot, dribble or pass), his composure (ability to stay calm and focus while running fast or being surrounded by many opponents), his decision making and his ability to put his body in the right place/angle to protect the ball, and of course his amazing vision and handles.
This is what i mean when i say bball IQ, and Doncic excels in every of these things, just like some of the best football players : Messi, Neymar, Zidane, Hazard, Iniesta, Xavi ect are some of the best players ever and they are all not athletic but possess the qualities i mentionned AKA football IQ. And i think Euro players have these qualities because they played football all their childhood, even Steve nash who is canadian played football and you can see all these qualities in him. So yeah thats what make doncic an amazing player.
He also had a big advantage in that his dad played pro (in Europe).
So he had a good teacher from early on.
Good genes, good teaching/training/coaching.
Good connections. Etc
All the advantages
His dad also seems to like sports in general so probably just analyzed all these sports a lot, and that's where you really develop IQ because you're thinking about all these things that you mentioned like timing, angles, space, etc, which yes is very important to soccer, but also just about every sport.
I get what you are saying but Messi and Neymar are not athletic? lmao watch Messi clips from when he was younger, he was extremely explosive.
That game winner 🔥🔥 BAAANNNGGG
I could listen to this man talk about basketball all day.
I don't know why Gilbert gets so much hate, this was spot on.
It’s cuz no one knows how much of a student he was to the game as a player.
@@amirswright I think they just aren't used to it because he speaks honestly and not ESPN-like and it makes people uncomfortable
Who's hating? Not saying it's not true but I personally haven't seen much hate towards him.
@@specialsock009 people always comment on his segments
@@specialsock009 people hate him on Facebook comments lol
That first part is absolutely correct thats probably the main reason for the spurs success
He would do great in Antonio
Simply put, he is a transformative and historic professional athlete. As genuine as any of the Mount Rushmore NBA Players. A true original.
It’s crazy because we called him the rookie of the year but to him it’s like his 5th year playing Pro already
Soon these blokes gonna be saying Lukas been playing pro since he was 7 😂 gets lower and lower constantly
But it’s not a knock on him for being pro at a young age. If someone mentions it, it’s the truth. Doesn’t take anything away from him at all simply cus he’s not the first young pro. Young Euro league players have always been known for being more fundamental than young American players. That’s why luka is my favorite player
He was actually playing in the fetus league
Right
He’s shooting 48 percent 3s and 40 percent field goal range last 6
He had a headstart so what who cares?
I actually Luca starting playing professionally when he was 6 months old.
I need this man to be on all the NBA analytic shows, please. The way he talks just makes too much sense.
Fundamentals Fundamentals Fundamentals. That's how you learn basketball in Europe. Not saying it's better, because most start at a later age after football, but it's another philosophy. Just like building a house. Without a solid base the roof comes down! You tell 'm agent 0
Fundamentals is better in my opinion. Athleticism don’t last but fundamentals do
@@Jstacksxxx I wonder how the fundamentals of American players would be of they played in a Dutch sports environment. Over here you start playing football (soccer) on the streets until about 5 years and then most join a club. And most of the time you you go through the ranks and stay untill you're old and can't play anymore. If you're any good a pro club could pick you up from the age of 10/11 and you go into the youth programme. Imagen this system in American basketball with the talent there is. Shaq with the Jokers skills 😳
The perfect combination is fundamentals combined with freak athleticism. That’s how you get players like Tim Duncan and Hakeem.
@@illusion2438 And yet... What if Hakeem started earlier then age 15 or Giannis before age 14, even though Greece is a big basketball country. They all wanted to be football (soccer) star before picking up basketball.
@@MarcelL-DM the league would be light years better than it is now and the commissioner wouldn’t have to change rules for 20 years straight just to make the offenses look better. AAU in America has ruin the nba. I feel like we would visually see the decline of the nba if it wasn’t for the rule changes.
Nice, didn't know much about Gilbert, other than watching and respecting him for years. I appreciate this insight into him on his insight on another, much respect.
The man knows what he's talking about!
@@whistlesports Word, nice seein' him talk about it. Can't help but cross-reference with "analysts" on main stream networks. Leaps and bounds ahead. Facts.
In the words of Coach Rick Carlisle. Luka is 5G & Beyond
He’ll become the goat
At least u know he got work to do and not just calling him the goat let him win 1 ring first im not a luka hater but can he get out the first round but i think he's top 10 in the nba now maybe top 5
When he said, "take a lot of cojones", he just got me
Remember when everyone made fun of Luka for saying it was easier to score in the NBA then in Europe. What he said was true, he learned the fundamentals and he honed every little fundamental to the highest level.
In America everyone drools over athleticism, though it's very VERY! important, fundamentals are also as important in the sport, and most American athlete only learns and hones the fundamentals when they make it to the league.
I dont know why NBA is like this but most countires teach fundamentals first in sports!!
@@bhavyasavani6770 NBA also teaches fundamentals, but in the NBA you will get preferred more if you are freakishly more athletic, someone who doesn't look like it or is not athletic is automatically made the second choice every time. They jude a player's whole future in the NBA by how athletic he is, someone less athletic is deemed to be a bust even before they're drafted. Best example would be Steph Curry, he isn't that athletic, he didn't receive any major scholarship in college and wasn't even considered a top pick because he was small and not athletic. Then he went ahead and became one of the best players the NBA has ever seen.
@@bhavyasavani6770 don't get me wrong, Athleticism is very important especially at the top level, and most all time greats were freakishly athletic, but today the sport has evolved to a point were even if you're not that athletically gifted you can make do with fundamentals, but many are still unable to accept that, and still continue to overlook that aspect of a player.
Lukas amazing basketball fundamentals are the reason none of these athletic superstars know how to guard luka, luka consistently has 40-45 point games like it's a walk in the park, alot of these super athletic and fast NBA superstars have no basketball fundamentals, great basketball fundamentals beats great athleticism and speed every time, it's the most important part of being a great player and alot of these stars only rely on speed and athleticism yet they have no basketball fundamentals
@@moses9426 having great bas fundamentals is alot more important than being athletic which is the reason why none of these athletic superstars know how to guard luka, all these athletic superstars or most of them at least have no basketball fundamentals at all, luka doncic has 40-45 point games like it's cake work because of his amazing athleticism
Why everyone misinterpreted Luka saying “it was easier” SMH
You are absolutly right.
Its easier because nobody defends the rim like in europe, due to multiple things like this rules 3 second violation or the less compititive format competition(win or die vs 82 regular season games in 6 months), and also the court is smaller so there are less space in Europe.
What gilbert Arenas says about fundamentals is right, but even he does not understand the full package or at least dont speak well about it .... and the some things happen when he was playing.
The difference between Gasol, Kukoc or Doncic is that Doncic is just better, but fundamentals is not what make you have a hight basketball IQ. You have to understand the full game.
@@juquioo Although he doesn’t outright say it, the second half of the video focused more on his IQ and thought processes.
Man I love listening to Gilbert, such an intelligent speaker.
This is a very good breakdown by agent Zero! A hero of mine as well!
PREACH I love Gil he knows the game into depths most never will.
He’s just everyone combined
Its actually back handed compliment to imply Luka is so good because he played pro over seas so young. No doubt it helped him be ready for the NBA at a younger age, but Lukas actually just naturally gifted in a basketball genius kind of way that LeBron, Magic and Bird are. Its not like you just put any 6'8 American over seas at 16 and they'll end up as good and fundamentally sound as Luka.
That comment (3:23 - 3:53) about MJ watching Bird's fundamentals and deciding to add that to his bag is BS! Jordan spent 3 years under Dean Smith at UNC and 1 summer under Bobby Knight during the Olympics, so he had tons of fundamentals coming INTO the league PLUS he also had athleticism! He may have refined his game as he got older but he was very fundamentally sound coming out of college!
He did NOT play PRO from 12-13, He started (just couple of games at 16) but really started playing PRO (with senior team) at 17... Anyway great review from agent 0
Very well put together video with clips backing up every point Gil made.
I love that announcer when he hits the game winner.
*BAYAYAYYNGGGG BANGGGG!!!*
He started early...but not 13! I think he made his debut when he was about 16. However, its strange how fast he become that good, he was not so dominant here in Spain.
My twin tuff yesssirr 👀💯🤞
Max is nice
Ew
This was cool. I Enjoyed your take Gilbert!
Agent 0, nice breakdown on my man Luka.
Jordan was the combination of elite athleticism and fundamental basketball skills learned under Dean Smith at UNC. John Wooden said that Dean Smith was the greatest teacher of basketball. The quality of basketball in NBA has deteriorated with the one-and-dones but it gets masked by the athleticism and streetball style of play but players like Luka exposes this phenomenon.
It’s refreshing to hear a former player admit they were wrong about something. That almost never ever happens lol
Luka in Spain and Europe was already a phenomenal player. However, in USA, Luka was underestimated just for being white and for being a foreigner.
This is why I love watching Gilbert arenas like I call him the wise man because he knows what he talks about
Imagine Luka and Jokic together :O
Murray is better than Luka.
@@mromneyobama 😐
It would be magical
@@mromneyobama yaaaaa.... no
@@mromneyobama ooooohhh... Yeah we get it, we disagree about that
Every European player is a pro earlier than college players. I can't emphasize that enough. When people say that Luka is only developed to this extent because he was a pro earlier on it's ridiculous because so were many other Europeans but they're not on his level. What they would be right to say is that any generational talent that gets started early can develop earlier, but not just any player.
I now want to watch him break down the top 50 in the league... loved this.
I still want this.
Our team is so bad now. I wish we still had some decent shooting to back up Luka.
Gil use to thrash people from deep back in the day. He has found his new calling breaking down current players game.
Good video I really liked it
I follow you guys on Insta
I remember the biggest pre draft arguments on luka was un-athlethic and that he "only" played euroleague competition which by the way is way better than college. When Luka broke out, those same haters said "oh but it's because he played professional ball since he was a kid"😂 I can understand there where doubts among analysts that hadn't seen him before, but those who followed luka before the nba knew he was the real deal.
2:50 Really reminds of the move Hakeem did against Robinson.
Gilbert is do knowledgeable when it comes to the game of Basketball. What an intelligent man, he has complete perspective of the sport.
Gotta love Agent 0, takes a lot of mental strength to admit being wrong, with no bs and if's.
i think some people don't understand how big luka is. He's a big guard, Big shooting guard, average small forward. He's an all around type player and can improve more...
If the NBA won't give him a coaching job, I'd love to see him coach his alum... My wildcats! He'd be great for college athletes, plus Az is already a heavily recruited school. He'd just add to the juice Lute started.
He is better than 90% of these clowns on ESPN. Nice take.
So here’s the real question, why don’t they farm kids in the US to play with NBA players earlier?
Exelent commentary! Well done sir!
Gil is fantastic, a true analyst who understands the game.
Don’t nobody talk basketball better than this guy
COMMENT with somebody we NEED to have on an episode of Player’s Breakdown!
alexey shved
Booker!
Luka is the future no dam obi or giannas or zuon
Luka a problem fr 🔥
Luka's athleticism & balance is underrated BUT the fascinating thing is that he has an ability to lean into his "slowness" as a strength. To compare it with baseball, it's like a pitcher who can only throw 100 MPH fastballs vs. someone who throws a 90 MPH fastball, but also a 65 MPH changeup and all with total control and deception.
was great to watch, thank you
I will listen to Gilbert,he knows what he is talking about,he was also a great player himself.
Gilbert needs to be an analyst on ESPN & TNT Or a development coach for a team!
It was so obvious he was far and above everyone else, as someone who is not from the U.S. but lived there for 4 years, it's fascinating to see how race shapes everything in the U.S. including what makes a great basketball player in the eyes of most americans, another aspect is a lot of american NBA players just hate admitting when a foreigner is better than them, that's why they were in denial with Luka.
Excellent Analysis Agent 0!
😎
Some neat breakdown you did there.
@1:48 That highlight along says it all
As a European and a guy who watches NBA every single day(1-4AM) *AND* a guy who played against Luka when he was 12-13 i get really annoyed when ppl say he was playing pro when he was 12-13...
Dude started pro at *16 YEARS OLD* and in his debut made a 3 pointer. Yes he was amazing, and at 13 better than most 15-16yo but stop the nonsence. Those of us who played him knew he would be special since he always was special, and experience gained while *training* at a young age with older kids and pros and later *playing* did help him BUT THAT'S ONLY BECAUSE HE WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO BE ALLOWED THAT KIND OF TREATMENT
I liked the part where he talked fundamentals 😂
Gilbert is great at breakdowns
good commentary, good insights
Trading Curry may have been a mistake, I think they need shooters around Luka
It’s really not. As a Mavericks fan I can confirm 100 percent that us missing 4 starters for about a month total is the main reason we’ve been playing bad.
Luka
Owundo
Green
James
Willie Caulley Stein
Can win with that line up. Expect them to play better these next few games. We just need to get Dwight Powell back in there now.
THJ stepped up big time. Finney Smith too & not to mention Brunson.
Luka understands what Momentum is and can use your own against you.
When you make a Step to the right, After a shoulder fake or something, you Need a Split secound to change to the left cause your body still moving right and your brain also Needs time to react.
Hes moves like a soccer player with his footwork like hakeem.
The only thing he got wrong was about Jordan. In college Jordan learned the fundamentals from Dean Smith who forced him to focus on them. Regardless, the point was made perfectly and Gilbert is a great analyst.
Jordan was so fundamentally sound he had Bobby Knight salivating after he coached him in the 84 Olympics.
Another epic breakdown by Gil
I would've loved to have gilbert arenas as a coach
nice to hear some one that understands the game