Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic told NBA reporters in the Philippines that he’s still dealing with the leg injury he suffered shortly after the 2023 All-Star break. Doncic said the injury won’t keep him from playing or from being ready for the upcoming season, but it’s still concerning that he’s not 100%.
“I do not know what to say,” Doncic said, via Grant Afseth of Sports Illustrated. “It’s not okay. At the same time, I have to prepare for one more game, and then for a whole season in the NBA.”
Doncic also owned the criticism of Slovenia falling short of expectations in the 2023 FIBA World Cup: “There is a lot of criticism every day, but I have learned to live with it. I don’t think I’m the best in the world, though. I simply love playing for Slovenia and will continue to do so.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
One of the best players in the world, 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 24-year-old Doncic has career averages of 27.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists with the Mavericks. According to Doncic’s Slovenian teammate Mike Tobey, the Mavericks point-forward is “really taking care of his body” and has improved his nutrition. The Mavericks talked with Doncic about decreasing his preferred playing weight this summer, according to Tim Cato of The Athletic. Doncic was listed at 230 pounds last season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
This summer, the Mavericks re-signed Kyrie Irving and Dwight Powell, signed Seth Curry, Dante Exum and Derrick Jones Jr. and acquired Grant Williams from the Boston Celtics and Richaun Holmes from the Sacramento Kings.
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