A shocking clip of Luka Doncic drinking a beer alongside his father, Sasa Doncic, only for it to be taken away by team executive and Mavericks legend Michael Finley has resurfaced.
The clip is from after Game 5 of last year’s Western Conference Finals, where the Mavericks clinched a spot in in the NBA Finals after a near-series sweep over the Timberwolves.
The 230-pound Doncic has drawn criticism in the past for weighing too much, leading to some lackluster defensive efforts.
Now, Doncic no longer plays for Dallas after Saturday’s game-changing trade to the Lakers.
In barely making eye contact with the now-former Dallas superstar, Finley takes the beer out of Doncic’s hand, while making sure to shake hands with his father.
Doncic, without his potent potable, looks in shock at Finley has he quickly scurries out of sight.
A clip of Mavericks legend Michael Finley taking a beer from Luka Doncic has resurfaced
Doncic was incredibly confused by the incident as Finley barely made eye contact with him
There is no rule against NBA players drinking after games, with milestone victories usually leading to a celebratory beverage or two.
Despite any weight concerns, Doncic has been one of the best players in the NBA for several years.
Mavericks fans have heavily criticized the team for trading away its best player who is in his prime and could have been effective for the team for the next 15-plus years.
Finley played for Dallas from 1996 through 2005 and serves as the team’s vice president player personnel.
By staying in the Western Conference, Doncic, with all of his weight, stands directly in the path of the Mavericks trying to win another NBA Championship.
Doncic nor Finley has spoken out about the beer-taking incident. However, it puts context on the then-frosty, now-severed relationship between the franchise’s former cornerstone and the Mavericks’ front office.
Doncic last played for the Mavericks on Christmas Day, where he suffered a calf strain against the Timberwolves.
He is slated to make his Lakers debut before the All-Star break that begins next week.
Doncic was traded for Anthony Davis and other assets in the three-team deal.
The unthinkable will now transpire as the Mavericks try to contend permanently without Doncic in their ranks.
