The 2020-2021 NBA season is like no other we’ve seen before.

With only 71 days between the end of the 2020 NBA Finals and the beginning of this season, that marks the shortest turnaround in the four major sports history.

So, you can imagine some early season struggles or slow starts across the league.

For MVP candidate Luka Doncic, the struggles are evident.

During the Mavericks’ 1-3 start, Doncic is averaging 23.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, all significantly less than his averages last season.

But more eye popping is his shooting percentage, specifically from downtown. Doncic is 2/21 from three to start the season, an abysmal 0.095%. That’s a ratio that you’d expect from maybe Willie Cauley-Stein or Boban, but Luka?

“I just think my legs are really tired, but it’s not an excuse,” Doncic told the media after last night’s 118-99 loss to Charlotte.

Both Luka and Rick Carlisle have spoke on the fact that Luka didn’t come into camp in the best of game shape so playing himself into that will take some time.

“It’s clear Luka doesn’t have his rhythm yet,” Carlisle said. “Everybody is working through something right now.”

Luka’s jumpshot has been a bit of a facade in some cases. The stepback three that he’s help posterize and make so popular can glaze over the fact that Luka’s never been a good shooter.

With all the other tools in Luka’s toolbox, not being a 40% three point shooter, for instance, isn’t the end of the world. But getting that percentage to a slightly above average shooter? That’s a key component for he and the Mavericks’ future.

“I’ve got to do way better. I’m 21 in my third season. I can improve so much. I can still improve so much, so I’ve got to work on those shots every day,” Doncic said.

After the disappointing showing against the Hornets, Doncic was seen back out on the American Airlines Center floor going through a full workout.

No quit. pic.twitter.com/4BkxS5F4Ps

— x – Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 31, 2020

“If you work on it, they’re going to fall in. That’s my point of view.”