When reports of a potential Luka Dončić trade to the Lakers surfaced on phones, basketball enthusiasts worldwide were quick to question the reality of the news. The notion that the Dallas Mavericks would part ways with their superstar shortly after an NBA Finals appearance seemed almost unbelievable. Even seasoned basketball figures were left puzzled by the development.
Mavericks fans have consistently voiced their displeasure regarding the trade news, both immediately following the reports and in the months since. Now, four months later, these protests are continuing, with Hall of Famer Don Nelson joining in. Nelson served as Dallas`s coach from 1997 to 2005.
Nelson, who is scheduled to receive the Chuck Daly Lifetime Award during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, detailed his specific choice of footwear for Sunday night.
“Luka is my dear friend. As a matter of fact I`m wearing Luka`s shoes, his new shoes from Nike. Just got on the market. And I`m wearing them in protest of the trade from Dallas,” Nelson stated. “I think it was a tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him. And I want everybody to know that.”
He will be sporting the Luka Dončić 4s and was very clear about the meaning behind wearing them.
“My philosophy was always, when you`ve got a great player, he`s yours for a lifetime. You don`t get rid of great players. When that happened, I was pretty disappointed,” Nelson explained. “My philosophy was to always honor the great players, not trade them away.”
It`s safe to assume that most, if not all, Dallas supporters share this perspective.
Jasper Hawthorne