BREAKING NEWS: Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Saša Dončić, who is the father of NBA star Luka Dončić, sent a message to Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd concerning…see more
In what is rapidly becoming one of the most surprising twists of the NBA offseason, Saša Dončić—the former Dallas Mavericks head coach and father of franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić—has made waves with a message to current head coach Jason Kidd that has stirred intense speculation, debate, and intrigue across the basketball world. The elder Dončić, known in European basketball circles for his strategic mind and assertive demeanor, rarely makes public comments regarding his son’s professional circumstances in the NBA. But when he does, people listen. And when the message is reportedly aimed directly at the man entrusted with Luka’s development, Jason Kidd, it becomes a headline with potentially franchise-altering implications.
The incident began when reports emerged late Friday night that Saša Dončić had privately relayed concerns about the direction of the Dallas Mavericks, particularly regarding the team’s offensive identity and its long-term vision for maximizing Luka’s prime years. While no official transcripts have been released, sources close to the Dončić family and multiple beat reporters around the Mavericks organization have confirmed that the message was clear, intentional, and layered with emotion. The main takeaway: Saša is not convinced that Jason Kidd is the right person to lead this iteration of the Mavericks into championship contention.
According to one source close to the family, Saša Dončić’s message, which came in the form of a private conversation reportedly facilitated through a mutual associate rather than formal team communication channels, included a detailed breakdown of where he believes the Mavericks are failing Luka tactically. He pointed to stagnant offensive sets, a lack of creativity in late-game situations, and what he termed a “misuse of basketball intelligence” in relation to Luka’s passing abilities and on-court decision-making. The elder Dončić, himself a former Slovenian pro player and experienced basketball coach, is said to have been particularly disappointed by how often the Mavericks lean too heavily on Luka’s scoring without adequately surrounding him with consistent secondary options or giving him the freedom to orchestrate the offense as he sees fit.
The implications of this message go far beyond a simple father defending his son. Saša Dončić is a respected figure in European basketball with a deep understanding of the game, and he’s known for being methodical rather than rash in his critiques. If he felt compelled to weigh in so forcefully, especially toward a coach of Kidd’s pedigree—an NBA champion, Hall of Famer, and former point guard—then it’s clear that frustration has reached a critical mass within the Dončić camp. And that spells trouble for a Dallas organization still reeling from back-to-back playoff disappointments and an offseason that, while busy, has yet to deliver the type of seismic roster changes needed to genuinely compete in the West.
The irony here is thick. Jason Kidd has long been seen as a mentor figure to Luka. When the Mavericks first hired Kidd, one of the central narratives was that his experience as a cerebral point guard would perfectly complement Luka’s unique skill set. The relationship between coach and star appeared harmonious early on, culminating in the 2022 Western Conference Finals run that reignited belief across Dallas. But as time has passed, cracks have formed. Late-game collapses, a lack of defensive intensity, and persistent questions about rotations have all chipped away at Kidd’s reputation. Most notably, the Mavericks’ inability to maintain leads and execute under pressure has drawn significant scrutiny, both from analysts and reportedly from inside the locker room.
What Saša Dončić’s message represents is a familial, yet professional, indictment of the Mavericks’ status quo. And it’s not one that can be dismissed easily. Luka Dončić is not just any player; he is the soul of the franchise, a generational talent whose every move is scrutinized and celebrated. Keeping him happy, engaged, and committed to Dallas long-term is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And if Luka’s inner circle is beginning to lose confidence in the coaching direction, it signals a much larger dilemma for team owner Mark Cuban and general manager Nico Harrison.
It’s important to note that this message from Saša does not necessarily mean Luka himself is unhappy. Publicly, Luka has been diplomatic in his comments, praising his teammates and continuing to express his desire to win in Dallas. But the subtext cannot be ignored. Saša Dončić would not make such pointed remarks without confidence that his son shares at least some of those concerns. In the high-stakes world of NBA politics, especially with stars of Luka’s caliber, family voices often reflect personal frustrations that the players themselves are hesitant to air directly.
Further complicating the matter is the Mavericks’ current roster construction. After last season’s mid-year acquisition of Kyrie Irving, the team hoped that pairing two of the league’s most dynamic offensive talents would create matchup nightmares for opponents. On paper, the combination should have worked. In reality, the chemistry has been inconsistent, and the lack of reliable defensive structure has undermined any offensive explosiveness. Critics have argued that the Mavericks need a more disciplined system—a system that brings cohesion rather than chaos. If Saša’s critique is to be believed, Kidd’s approach is failing to provide that framework.
Behind the scenes, the front office now faces a conundrum. Dismissing Jason Kidd would be a major move, one that could potentially reset the team’s trajectory. But retaining him while Luka’s camp is publicly questioning the coaching strategy creates a powder keg that could explode by midseason if things go south. And then there’s the matter of public perception. Luka Dončić is adored in Dallas and admired globally, but whispers of dissatisfaction can spread quickly and morph into trade rumors, locker room drama, or even calculated contract negotiations. The Mavericks can ill afford any of those.
This is not the first time family members have inserted themselves into NBA affairs. From LaVar Ball’s outspoken role during Lonzo Ball’s early years to Anthony Davis’ father criticizing the Boston Celtics during trade discussions, the line between familial concern and franchise interference is often blurred. However, the difference here is that Saša Dončić has legitimate basketball credentials. He isn’t a reality show character or social media provocateur; he’s a seasoned basketball mind, a man who has coached at high levels and developed Luka’s foundation. When he speaks, it comes from a place of tactical knowledge as much as paternal care.
For Jason Kidd, the pressure just intensified. Already entering a make-or-break season, this latest episode serves as a blunt reminder that job security in today’s NBA is tied not just to wins and losses, but to relationships and optics. If Kidd cannot prove early in the season that he has a defined vision and the leadership to execute it, it may be only a matter of time before the Mavericks make a change. And with high-profile coaches like Mike Budenholzer and Kenny Atkinson still on the market or open to interviews, the front office does have options should things escalate.
Luka’s own role in this drama will be watched closely. Will he eventually address his father’s comments? Will his body language and public statements begin to reflect growing tension? Or will he remain focused on playing basketball while letting the front office sort out the politics behind the scenes? The answers to those questions may determine the Mavericks’ fate not just this season, but for years to come.
The coming weeks will be critical. Training camp looms. Media day will bring questions that Kidd, Luka, and perhaps even Saša himself will need to answer. Fans will read between the lines. Analysts will pick apart every substitution, every timeout, and every possession for signs of either unity or discord. And in the background, the message from Saša Dončić will linger like a specter—a reminder that even in the modern NBA, the voice of a father, especially one with a basketball mind and a franchise superstar for a son, can shake the foundations of an organization.
Dallas may yet find its rhythm. Perhaps Kidd will adapt. Perhaps Luka will take the next step as a leader and bridge any gaps that have formed between coach and player. But what is undeniable is that the Mavericks are now on the clock, and they’re being watched more closely than ever. Every decision, every moment, and every game will be viewed through the lens of this brewing tension, and the message has been sent loud and clear: Luka Dončić’s prime is here, and those closest to him are demanding nothing less than excellence—starting at the very top.
