DALLAS _ Just a few months after proclaiming that the Mavericks selected a "franchise foundation piece" in Luka Doncic, coach Rick Carlisle wants no part of such a stupid sweeping statement.
When asked what characteristics Doncic possesses to carry the burden of expectations this franchise has justifiably put on the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft, Coach Fun swatted it.
"I haven't said that. He's a good player. He's going to be playing a lot," Carlisle answered to my question on Monday. "I don't get into big, sweeping statements about him being the next this or that. You're trying to suck me into some kind of stupid answer and I'm not going there."
No, but on the night the Mavs moved up to pick Doncic, Carlisle said, "We got a guy who we think is a franchise foundation piece."
And Ricky the Mavs Ticket Salesman had no problem telling fans they should get their season tickets to watch Luka play and if they don't they will regret it.
Rick is the best coach in the NBA, and just as full of it as any other. Now he's on a mission to manage, and suppress, the expectations for his latest teenage savior.
Doncic is either that foundation piece, or Carlisle's time as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks will become a point of interest.
Outside of the head coach in San Antonio, no man in his spot has more of a grip on his franchise than Ricky.
The NBA's regular season is here, and so starts the process of determining if the Mavs were right in moving up to acquire their next Euro savior.
Go with yes.
Luka is that good.
"We're really lucky to have him and he's going to be a great player for this franchise for a very long time," Mavs center DeAndre Jordan said. "He's really advanced for being a rookie. For being 19 years old."
And the Mavs aren't making the playoffs this year.
