Luka Doncic has been an active presence on his socials. From giving props to Novak Djokovic after the Roland Garros win to posting pictures of his shredded physique, Doncic seemingly has plenty to share. The Slovenian phenom has been preparing rigorously for the upcoming season and a lot will be in line for him. He signed a massive $207 million deal for five years with the Dallas Mavericks, which started in the 2022-23 season. This time, however, he said something that may pinch a fellow Maverick.
The reaction by Doncic to one of his teammate’s posts took Twitter by storm, with many in the community sharing their takes on the entire ordeal.
Luka Doncic mocks his own teammate
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Theo Pinson is a six-foot-five-inch swingman for the Mavericks. Before joining the Mavs, he had stints with the Nets and the Knicks. Despite playing for two seasons at Dallas, he hasn’t yet received a major role for the team. He featured in 40 games last season and averaged just around eight minutes a game. For his career, he has averaged just 8.5 minutes a game and has scored 2.7 points on 35.6%. Consequentially, when he posted about his training camp on Twitter, Doncic had a rather short but piercing reply.
No, thank you😊😊😊
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) June 12, 2023
Doncic, although in jest, seemingly implies that he would rather not want to join his teammate’s camp. Is it because of the north and south trajectory of their NBA careers? Doncic is a decorated athlete and averaged more than 32 points a game last season and is a constant triple-double threat. Pinson is yet to make a significant impact on the league and has been relegated to the role of bench warmer many times.
Incidentally, both players have spent five seasons in the league. While the Mavs selected Doncic as the third pick in the 2018 draft, Pinson went undrafted. The difference is clear when examining both of their careers. Still, making it to the NBA is a big deal in itself. However, what does such a reply do for his confidence?
Fans take Pinson for a ride
Plenty from the NBA fanbase chimed in on this issue. There were comments that also mocked Pinson to no end.
COOK THAT ROLE PLAYER PODCASTER pic.twitter.com/MKlOlG0fy4
— whristan (@whristan) June 12, 2023
A highly followed Mavs handle also had something to say
VIOLATED HAHA
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) June 12, 2023
Even the official Mavs handle couldn’t hold back
😂😂
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 12, 2023
Someone invoked the crying LeBron James picture
live scenes of theo reading this pic.twitter.com/jNEt7geXUX
— pallsmenis (@ak_ree11) June 12, 2023
One fan pointed out
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luka this man got a triple double this season give him some respect
— ja morant’s burner account (@WoahD_) June 12, 2023
The reply by Doncic can be a part of the friendly banter between Pinson and Doncic. This is a common occurrence in the NBA. It also, however, points out the gulf between a superstar and someone who plays minimal minutes, implying a hierarchy.
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This is not a novel observation but a part of a long tradition. Anyway, will Pinson be even a part of the NBA after some years?