Luka Doncic's fatal flaw revealed in World Cup

Doncic was ejected from Slovenia's loss to Canada, which eliminated the team from medal contention. He spent much of the game, especially the second half, complaining to the officials about fouls. To be fair, it was a physical game, but Doncic took it quite far. He even yelled directly at FIBA's boss, and made the "money" sign, implying that the officials and FIBA were corrupt.

That's like Doncic screaming at NBA commissioner Adam Silver during a playoff game. It's likely counter-productive, but it also shows that Doncic's focus is on the officials, and not the team he's playing against. 

"Luka Doncic has the potential to be the best player on the planet," ESPN's Tim Bontemps said on "The Hoop Collective" podcast. "But for him to get to the final endpoint of what he could be as a player, he has to get past this endless whining and complaining to the refs."

Each of the last two seasons, Doncic has received 17 technical fouls, though the league has later rescinded one or more so Doncic hasn't been suspended - which usually happens after 16 techs. But it's not just the suspensions that are an issue with Doncic's conduct.

"The most frustrating thing about Luka's constantly complaining to referees is that he does it when nine guys are going the other way," ESPN's Tim McMahon added. "He's one of the worst transition defenders in the history of basketball. The game doesn't stop because you're upset! When the whistle blows, if you've got something to say, say it then."

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd agrees.

Not only is this behavior hurting his team, it's unpleasant to watch. Watching Doncic complain after nearly every missed shot can be exhausting. Plus, by yelling at the referees all the time, it's counter-productive. Referees try to be objective, but they're still human beings. It's hard to expect the benefit of the doubt from an official Doncic has relentlessly yelled at for years.

Doncic is as talented as any player in the league. But he won't be truly great until he can ignore the three referees and start playing 5-on-5, not 5-on-8.