Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic just completed the best season of his career, narrowly missing out on the MVP award and leading the Mavs to their first NBA Finals since 2011. This summer, he has the potential to further elevate his game.
Last summer, Doncic made significant strides in his conditioning and improved his catch-and-shoot skills. A similar dedication this offseason could lead to even more development for the young star.
Doncic’s performance in the 2024 NBA Playoffs was exceptional despite battling numerous injuries. He required pain-killing injections for a thoracic contusion and played through a knee sprain and ankle soreness throughout the playoffs.
**Mavericks Expect Doncic to Play in Olympics**
While Doncic needs to prioritize getting healthy for the next season, the Mavs expect him to play for Slovenia in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Mavs GM Nico Harrison acknowledged that playing for Slovenia brings Doncic immense joy and expects him to participate as long as he’s physically able.
Doncic has previously indicated he would play in the Olympics if his knee allows, but this decision carries risks. Playing in the Olympics after enduring a series of injuries could jeopardize his health for the upcoming NBA season. The Mavs rely heavily on Doncic, and any injury could significantly impact their chances in the competitive Western Conference.
Last summer, Doncic faced a similar situation when playing for Slovenia in the FIBA World Cup while dealing with a thigh injury from the NBA season. This injury persisted during the World Cup, leaving him with just over two weeks to prepare for the Mavs training camp.
If Slovenia qualifies for the Olympics, Doncic will have just over a month between the Olympics and NBA training camp. This short recovery period could be problematic if he sustains or aggravates an injury.
While Doncic’s passion for playing for his country is clear, this decision poses risks. The Mavs front office seems supportive, but the situation could become complicated if Doncic suffers an injury at the Olympics or fails to fully recover from his previous injuries by the next season.
