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Luka Doncic comparisons should be with James Harden and not Michael Jordan, says Gilbert Arenas

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ubong Archibong | Last updated 4/5/24

While talking about Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic on his podcast, Gil’s Arena, Gilbert Arenas came up with frank words. Doncic this season has demonstrated his MVP credentials with brilliant performances that have led to a series of praises from an array of former players and analysts.

However, according to ‘Agent Zero’, Luka Doncic may not be the superstar he or the basketball community thinks he is as he resembles a player like LA Clippers’ James Harden than Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. He further criticized the alleged double standard treatment given to NBA superstars in the league.

He’s literally James Harden. He scores a lot of points and doesn’t play defense, but we see what they did to James Harden who didn’t play defense. They let the world know he didn't play defense--- Luka is considered the next Michael Jordan. The Michael Jordan, who played defense and offense. Gilbert Arenas said

Gilbert Arenas was disappointed that the media doesn’t consider Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum an elite NBA player due to his lack of a championship title. Similarly, as per Arenas, the media keeps Luka Doncic on the same pedestal as Jordan. Furthermore, he strongly disagreed with the comparison, which head coach Jason Kidd mentioned, as Doncic lags on the defensive end.

“A lot of points don’t play no defense, but we see what they did to James Harden who didn’t play defense…Luka is considered the next MJ. The MJ that played defense and offense.”

Gil on the narrative around Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/O5loyNCErp
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) April 4, 2024

Whether this is Arenas bringing up his European-based players’ bias again, one thing is clear is that Doncic’s game is primarily one-sided, focusing on the offensive side of the game more as he lags in speed, size, and athleticism of other top NBA guards. It has become more evident with the acquisition of partner-in-crime Kyrie Irving, as it has shown the Mavericks’ inefficiency in the backcourt.

Luka Doncic leads the Mavs to victory over the Atlanta Hawks

On Thursday, the Dallas Mavericks overcame the visiting Atlanta Hawks 109-95 thanks to a spirited effort by Luka Doncic, who, despite the criticism from Arenas, proved his MVP credentials once again. The Mavs were hoping to return to winning ways after losing 104-100 last time out against the Golden State Warriors.

Just another night for LuKai ♾#MFFL ️ pic.twitter.com/Q9QSOxqtsU
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) April 5, 2024

They were led by their formidable LuKai duo, who came up with 51 points to end the Hawks’ two-game winning streak. Despite a slow start to the game, Doncic finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, and Irving came up with 26 points, five rebounds, and a solitary assist.

Furthermore, with the win, the Mavs have now punched in a spot in the play-in tournament. Up next for the Mavs is a resurgent Golden State Warriors, who defeated the Houston Rockets 133-110 to also solidify their place for a chance in the postseason.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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