All signs point to Luka Doncic making a decision that will irritate Dallas Mavericks fans.
The Dallas Mavericks’ season came to an end exactly one week ago when they fell to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals, and now it’s time to watch how Nico Harrison responds.
Dallas’ lack of a third scorer hampered them in the Finals, and the Mavs must acquire a guy who can relieve the burden on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving when necessary. No one else stepped up in the Finals, which is a major reason Boston won.
Doncic was terrific in the Finals, despite his team’s defeat in five games, but it appears that he is going to make a move that will irritate Mavs fans.
All signs point to Luka Doncic playing for Slovenia in the pre-Olympic qualifiers.
Doncic has joined the Slovenian National Team to prepare for the pre-Olympic qualifiers, and while his knee will be checked by the Slovenian team’s medical experts, all signs lead to his competing in the qualifiers.
Slovenia would have to win the pre-Olympic qualifying event in Greece to qualify for the Olympics, and while Dallas anticipated Doncic to play for Slovenia this summer, his decision has disappointed some Mavs fans.
You can’t begrudge Doncic for wanting to represent his nation, which provides him so much joy, but the possibility of him getting wounded is a frightening prospect. Doncic was dealing with injuries throughout the playoffs, including a knee injury and a thoracic contusion for which he needed painkilling injections, and he barely had time to heal before heading to practice with the Slovenian National Team.
According to a report from the playoffs, Doncic would have been sidelined for several weeks owing to his injuries if it had been the regular season. Doncic has had less than a week off before returning to the court, and his health during the pre-Olympic qualifications and the Olympics (assuming Slovenia makes it) will be critical.
Last summer, Doncic’s thigh injury from the previous summer caused him problems during the FIBA World Cup, and if Doncic was as injured as reported during the playoffs, the pre-Olympic qualifiers will be risky for Doncic because he appeared to be re-aggravating his various injuries during the playoffs.
Anyone who knows Doncic knows he’ll most likely play for Slovenia, but this decision represents a risk that many Mavs supporters would rather avoid. Doncic appeared to be walking gingerly when he first arrived, and only time will tell how much his knee injury is improving.
Doncic is certainly not yet cleared to play because the medical staff must approve him, but it is evident that this is a top goal for him.
Stay tuned for the latest on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks this offseason.
