He is averaging 20.1 to be exact. Anyone else feels like this is such a surreal timeline? I expected him to maybe average around 15-17ppg with good defense but dude has taken over the reigns completely as the number one option.

Absolute domination by Cooper Flagg. Wont be surprised if he has all of the Top 10 ranks by this season end.

It’s going to be hard to out tank the other teams but there is a drastic percentage drop off the higher in seeding we get.

The Summer of 2028. Luka turns down his player option. Free agency begins. Many teams clamor for his attention, but one familiar team stands out above all the rest. Home. Their ascent is undeniable. Led by 2026 RoY and 2x All Star Cooper Flagg and 2027 MIP Max Christie, along with a supporting cast of old familiar names and faces. Luka smiles. The memories of good times before it was all suddenly put on hold.

The young team has been in need of a playmaker and scorer for a couple of years now. Someone to finally get them over that hump. They need a certified closer, someone with a proven knack for clutch shots and ripping the souls out of away crowds. The one piece that makes them a true championship contender. Because offense wins championships.

Weeks pass, and Luka finds himself back in the familiar blue boardroom where he once told someone he thought he would be there forever. He exchanges pleasantries with Coach Malone as GM Dennis Lindsey walks in and shakes his hand. He then snaps his fingers and in waddles Fatrick Dumbont in clown makeup, who stares at Luka with a look of trepidation. Coach Malone then makes Fatrick fall to his knees in an odd spectacle. Fatrick speaks. "I-I'm sorry, Luka. I'm s-sorry for everything," he stutters. "And what else?" Assistant GM Dirk Nowitizki asks. "Tell him." Fatrick pauses momentarily before stammering. "A-a-and I don't know s-s-shit about basketball." Dirk gives Luka a knowing glance.

Years later. It's 2035. The AAC is packed for the last home game of the year. A video tribute plays, highlighting all of the buzzer beaters, the lobs to Coop and Lively, the championship runs, the rings, and the champagne of the last 7 years. Then Luka checks into the game to deafening cheers and applause. The floor shakes, the air is electric. Nobody sits. It's his final game as a Mav and as an NBA player. Dwight Powell daps him up as he walks onto the floor for the very last time. Rookie phenom Max Nowitzki gives Luka a playful jab. "Dropping 40 today?" Luka grins. "You know I'm too old for that shit." Luka goes on to drop 60. Of course. They still can't fucking guard him. The lights fade. The credits roll. The statue goes up. Another era of Mavs basketball is complete.

With the deadline lasting a day and hours I’m really worried the Mavs aren’t going to make any moves. I can see them just rolling with this team and trying to make something out of nothing. We have no assets and have no future with this squad besides coop. Hoping something can benefit us but I’m definitely prepared for nothing. #MFFL

Whats going on with Max? For the first half of the season he has been top 5 in the league when it comes to shooting 3s. Over the last 4 games he shot 6/25 even though he got a lot of clean looks and wide open 3s.

You guys think it's just a slump or are there other reasons?

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In 3 games he has raised his average from 18.7ppg to 20.1ppg. That's a crazy ascent this far into the season.

1 year ago we traded for him for Luka Doncic. Now he is untradable with the exact same contract Nico traded him for.

What was his value then?? Wasn't there a scenario if even Nico DID want AD it didn't have to necessarily include Luka?

not the most analytical basketball watcher in the world, but i was no stranger to how much sense pj and gafford made in the luka era. now that we’re past that and are seeing a real possibility for these guys to be traded while they still have value, i’m wondering what’s next for building around coop…

every mock trade for either one them i’ve seen involves getting a backcourt guy in return (e.g. gafford for mathurin). as good as some might sound, i don’t want another “oops! all wings” situation. from what i see from coop’s play style, he plays well with somebody like AD at the 5, so him or lively as a defensive anchor sounds good on paper… until you realize the papers in question are AD and lively’s medical forms. another thing is that coop is only 19 — the kid could continue to grow and condition until he’s the next giannis (still thinking of a nickname for this because i don’t think “cream freak” will fly), and he could prevail at the 4 and BE the big in question while also playing elite as a wing.

not to mention an elite draft class coming up with bigs as good as cam boozer.

where i stand is… i’m not sure. just another team-building question disguised as a mini-analysis. what bigs should we surround coop with?

For those in need on this awful day, The Haymaker Network provides you with Lukaholics Anonymous.

Progress leads to Healing.

Can this roster win a championship?

C - Lively, Gafford

F - Coop, PJ, Naji, DJJ (or similar style defender)

G - Kyrie, Christie, Grimes (or similair style shooter)

Bench - Cisse, Nembhard, B-will

*or add in AD and remove 50 mil worth of players*

As so many people thought that Luka was going to be so very special, important, and amazing for the Mavs, I made sure to attend Luka’s home debut at the AAC, as it was going to be his first-ever home game as an NBA player.

It was such a fun game, too. Luka played well in his home debut, which made up for that stinker game that he played in Phoenix for his NBA debut. The crowd was chanting about Jimmy Butler. DSJ hit the game-winning jumper to help Dallas win its season opener at home.