CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 26: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 26, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images

Luka Dončić Called 'Worst Transition Defender in History of Basketball' by NBA Scout

Timothy RappMar 28, 2023

Nobody is going to mistake Luka Dončić for Gary Payton or prime Kawhi Leonard on the defensive end of the ball, but at least one scout thinks he's historically bad.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon appeared on the Lowe Post podcast Tuesday and said a scout called Dončić "the worst transition defender in the history of basketball" (7:40 mark).

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Ouch.

"That seems a little much, scout guy," Zach Lowe responded, smiling.

MacMahon did note that the scout didn't make an analytical case for his assertion, saying simply, "just watch him," when pressed on his opinion.

Luckily for the Mavericks, Dončić's poor defending is accompanied by 32.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. It's a trade-off they'll take, though the Dallas star might want to tighten things up just a bit on the defensive end down the stretch as his team battles for a berth in the play-in tournament.