NBA Coach JJ Redick warns the teams playing drops to watch out for Luka Doncic

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 3, 2025, 19:44 IST

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JJ Redick cautions that using a "drop" defense against Luka Doncic will lead to major scoring issues. He emphasizes that Doncic's ability to score and make quick decisions requires a more aggressive defensive strategy to avoid being outplayed.

NBA Coach JJ Redick warns the teams playing drops to watch out for Luka Doncic

Image via Imagn Images

In a recent game, coach JJ Redick sent a strong message. After watching his team play, he warned that using a "drop" defense against Luka Doncic would cause major issues. Redick said, "You're going to die," meaning teams that give Luka too much space will pay the price. His warning shows he believes any defense that doesn’t pressure Luka will lead to big scoring problems and serious trouble.

JJ Redick explains why drop coverage won't work against Luka Doncic

During the game, the LA Lakers did well against the LA Clippers. Luka Doncic, with his ability to score and make smart passes, kept the defenders busy. Coach JJ Redick noticed that teams often use a "drop" defense against Luka, where defenders stay back behind screens. But this gives Luka too much space to shoot, drive to the basket, or pass the ball. He takes advantage of every opportunity to score, making it tough for opponents to stop him.
"The nature of playing with Luka Doncic is if you play drop coverage against him, you're going to die," said Redick.

Redick explained that drop defense doesn’t work against a player like Luka. With his skills in pick-and-roll plays and his ability to hit shots from anywhere on the court, teams get punished quickly if they don’t challenge him on the outside. When teams give him space, Luka makes fast decisions that lead to big scoring plays. Redick’s warning is a reminder for teams to rethink how they defend one of the league’s best players.
Redick’s advice has sparked discussions among fans and experts, who agree that Luka’s talent makes him a constant threat. With strong teammates like LeBron James, the Lakers have built a team that supports Luka well, making it even harder for defenses to stop them.
"We have to be better and we're going to figure that out. It helps when you can play all shooting lineups, I am not concerned about that," said the Lakers coach later.
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As the season continues, coaches and players will need to find new ways to guard Luka without leaving him open for shots. Redick’s warning might lead to changes in defensive strategies and add more excitement to the game. Teams will have to work harder, adjust faster, and stay alert when facing one of the NBA’s brightest stars.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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