Dallas Mavericks point-forward Luka Doncic was named the Slovenian national team captain for the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the NBA star is truly honored by that title.
“I am honored to be the captain,” Doncic said, via BasketNews. “We made this decision with the coach and the players. I am truly honored. It’s a proud moment. It is not a new role for me. I was a vocal leader in the national team’s locker room, also in Dallas. I don’t know how to prepare. It comes along. It cannot be learned. If you have it, you have it.”
Doncic signed a five-year, $215.2 million designated rookie contract extension with the Mavericks in August 2021. The four-time All-Star averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists last season while shooting 49.6% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 74.2% from the free-throw line. Doncic recorded 36 double-doubles and 10 triple-doubles in 66 games.
The Mavericks won only 38 games last season. They didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament after making the Western Conference Finals in 2022. Dallas was only 5-11 in games Doncic and Kyrie Irving played together. That was the worst winning percentage (.313) for a pair of teammates who were both All-Stars since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976-77, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
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“It’s been a long summer for me, but I’m very happy to be back,” Doncic said. “Lots of games, lots of training. I look forward to it. I haven’t played since April 10th. I can not wait.”
The Mavericks have talked with Doncic about decreasing his preferred playing weight this summer, according to NBA reporter Tim Cato of The Athletic. Doncic was listed at 230 pounds last season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
“I feel better this year,” Doncic said. “It can also be seen. Anze Macek [strength and conditioning coach of the Slovenian NT] chased and pushed me well. Praise him.”
Doncic has career averages of 27.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists with the Mavericks. It will be fascinating to see if he’s able to lead Slovenia to a gold medal.
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