Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison disclosed in his exit interview that Luka Doncic plans to play for the Slovenian national team this summer, despite his injuries.
“You all know Luka and how he moves,” Harrison said. “He’s been in pain, but he’s a warrior who fights through injuries. He loves to play, even with multiple injuries affecting his body, as you can see from the way he walks and runs,” Harrison stated, according to ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta.
Harrison added, “Playing for the national team is one of Luka’s greatest joys. As long as he can walk, I expect him to be out there playing.”
Despite injuries, Doncic played throughout the Mavericks’ unexpected NBA Finals run, dealing with a sprained ankle, knee issues, and a thoracic contusion that required painkillers, impacting his performance.
Doncic had an exceptional season with the Mavericks, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in 70 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he averaged 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.9 steals in 22 games.
After defeating the Clippers, Thunder, and Timberwolves in the Western Conference, the Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics in five games in the Finals.
Slovenia will compete in the Olympic qualifiers in July, and having Doncic on the team significantly boosts their chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
