The sports world is still in shock after arguably the most unprecedented trade in sports history, but NBA analyst Tim Legler has a different take.
It might take a while for both fanbases to get over this stunning move, as Kyrie Irving was still flabbergasted about the whole decision, saying he misses Luka Doncic, but now, analysts are taking opinions to say who actually won the trade.
ESPN along with other publications have already given an ‘F’ grade for the Dallas Mavericks side of things. Other analysts like Kendrick Perkins, Charles Barkley and Greg Anthony are praising the trade for the Mavericks, giving Dallas high seeds going into the playoffs.
Dallas is still in play-in territory, and has to get some kind of movement when they get Anthony Davis and Max Christie on the court together.
NBA analyst Tim Legler made his opinion on what he thought was a catch 22, or just simply a double loss for Dallas.
Tim Legler Says Lack of Entertainment Value and Stardom is Why Dallas Lost
Doncic has helped the Mavericks from out the dust during the days of Dirk Nowitzki’s last years. Doncic took the Mavs to two Western Conference Finals and an NBA Finals appearance last season.
His stardom was a gold coin on the financial side for Dallas.
Mavericks are offering refunds for all home games this season to season ticket holders who canceled packages after the Luka-AD trade Wow. (via @_abigaiiiil @DLLS_Sports – @BleacherReport
This speaks volumes in Dallas for the people who admired Doncic, while they weren’t sure if Doncic would stay for 21 years like Nowitzki, he was supposed to be the face of Dallas for a long while.
The season ticket holders are what into Legler’s reasoning to favor the trade for Los Angeles.
“Within the next 5 years if Luka hasn’t won, Nico Harrison will be somewhat justified, and even then I’m not sure because of the entertainment value he just took away from the fan base,” Legler said. “This is the most talented player in the history of their franchise, and the only other way this could go is this ends up being the worst trade in the history of team sports. It’s going to have nothing to do with what the Mavericks do. It’s going to be based on what Luka does. I’m betting on Luka.” – Tim Legler on All NBA Podcast
Legler has a point as to the entertainment value. Dallas basketball was in the mud for Nowitzki’s last two years in the league, and with a perfect, smooth transition, Doncic took over immediately as the face of the franchise.
As for the trade itself, the Mavs could’ve gotten rookie Dalton Knecht and more first rounders but Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was able to convince Nico Harrison that Doncic was a risk,
Legler initially had high hopes for the Mavericks during the Doncic-era, as probably lots of analysts have, but Legler also states that it’s not just about the talent, it’s about the entertainment value that Doncic brought to the city of Dallas every single night.
Conspiracy theories are already being laid out about a team in Las Vegas. Whether or not that’s true, Dallas fans lost interest the moment that Doncic became a Laker.
Laker fans have another gold gem to look up to, as well as the perfect piece to leave LeBron James at peace when he decides to hang it up.
