"Kyrie's not the fit" - Colin Cowherd names the perfect co-partner for Luka Doncic

luka-doncic-and-kyrie-irving

After the Dallas Mavericks paved their way into the NBA Finals for the first in 13 years, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic were hailed as arguably the greatest backcourt duo. However, the narrative about them has completely changed ever since the Boston Celtics defeated them 4-1 in the championship round.

With Kai averaging merely 14.5 points on 33.9% shooting from the field and 11.1% from the 3-point line, the media circuits have ironically started looking for different options that can fit alongside Doncic.

Among the potential suitors, Colin Cowherd has emerged as an ardent supporter of Paul George, who, though lacks Irving's wizardly ball-handling abilities, could provide the defense solidity to complement Luka's game more, along with his non-ball dominant approach, can make him a better on Jason Kidd's team.

"I think literally a perfect player for Luka is Paul George. Probably, privately, doesn't want the final shot, but Luka does. Excellent defender. Can give you 30 in the non-pressured situation. Can really have night where Luka can take a backseat, but in the big moments Paul takes weird or bad shots, Luka doesn't," Cowherd said. "Kyrie's not the fit. A poor defensive player, who's hot and cold and needs the ball… he (Paul) kinda fits everywhere."

George's clutch gene could be an issue

Since joining the LA Clippers - a franchise's roster built around him and Kawhi Leonard, PG13 has been thumped with the pressure of leading the team to a championship. However, this mounting pressure has seemingly affected his performance over the seasons.

He missed the postseason entirely in the 2022-23 season, averaged merely 19.5 points per game in the first-round series against Dallas, and appeared in only 31 games in the 2021-22 campaign. If that pressure was 'tough' on George, the pressure would be increasingly high if associated with the Mavs.

While George averages 0.4 steals per game, more than Kai in his career, the 9-time All-Star isn't a reliable performer in clutch situations - an area where Irving excels. Not only does the 6'2" point guard demand the ball in the closing moments, but time and again relieves the pressure off Doncic's shoulder in carrying the scoring load.

Does Mavs have the financial flexibility to chase PG?

More importantly, with the Mavs committed to a staggering salary of just over $176 million, well beyond the maximum of $141 million but narrowly avoiding the first apron of tax penalties at $178 million, their financial flexibility is severely constrained.

To be precise, Doncic and Irving alone command salaries north of $40 million each. In comparison, five other players earn between $11 million and $16.5 million annually, leaving little room for significant roster improvements through trades.

Consequently, it may be more advisable for Dallas to pursue an All-Defensive perimeter defender like Alex Caruso (entitled to a $9 million salary next season), whose presence can not only boast their wing and perimeter defense but also make him a reliable 3-and-D shooter. His 40.8% (in the 2023-24 season) 3-point shooting can also help.

Put simply, rather than chasing a superstar in George, the Mavs could benefit more from acquiring reliable role players like Carsuo, Bruce Brown, or Bogdan Bogdanovic. These can be ideal, budget-friendly additions to complement their existing core.