Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd addressed the defensive responsibilities of his star player, Luka Doncic, during the team’s recent media day. Kidd spoke candidly about the challenges the Mavericks face on defense after losing one of their top defenders, Derrick Jones Jr., this offseason.
Kidd offered a mix of humor and seriousness when discussing Doncic’s role on defense. “There’s going to be nights where Luka has to guard someone,” Kidd remarked. He acknowledged the need for a collective effort to fill the defensive gap left by Jones’ departure.
The Mavericks’ defensive setup for the upcoming season will rely on multiple players, as Kidd emphasized. “It’s going to be a committee,” he explained. “This league is about matchups and being able to get the matchups right.” Doncic, who is widely known for his offensive prowess, will now face more defensive challenges, especially when matched up against quicker players.
While Doncic may not be recognized for his defense, Kidd expressed confidence in the Slovenian star’s ability to rise to the occasion. “I don’t think he’s going to run from that,” Kidd said. He hinted that Doncic’s defensive responsibilities are part of being a top player in the NBA. Kidd suggested that while some may view Doncic’s defensive duties with skepticism, the guard-forward hybrid will need to step up against elite offensive threats.
Kidd also highlighted the role of Kyrie Irving and new addition Klay Thompson in shoring up the team’s defense. Both Irving and Thompson are expected to carry significant defensive duties this season. “Kai and Klay, there’s going to be a committee of guys who are gonna have to guard,” Kidd explained. He noted that the Mavericks would depend on their entire lineup to hold strong on the defensive end.
Kidd acknowledged that there will be moments where Doncic will be called upon to defend players with different skill sets. “There’s going to be nights where Luka is gonna have to guard maybe someone a little bit quicker. There’s not too many guys that are as fast as him,” he said, trying to keep a straight face.
The Mavericks’ head coach struck a delicate balance between humor and expectation during his comments. While he appeared to joke about Doncic’s defensive capabilities, Kidd made it clear that his statement carried weight. “I know everybody thinks I was joking, but there’s some seriousness that Luka’s gonna have to guard somebody,” he emphasized.
Dallas faces high expectations going into the 2024-2025 NBA season, with Doncic and Irving forming one of the most dynamic offensive duos in the league. With the addition of Thompson, the Mavericks hope to enhance their defense while maintaining their offensive firepower. However, the departure of Jones, who was known for his defensive versatility, leaves a notable gap.
