Luka Doncic looked like a different player during the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals, but it turns out the transformation wasn’t sparked by Dallas. According to a new report by The Athletic, the physical changes that helped Doncic reach a new level were set in motion by his personal team as far back as 2023—long before the trade that shook his career.
“Some sources in Doncic’s inner circle believed he was on the path toward this kind of physical transformation, whether or not Dallas general manager Nico Harrison had bet against him,” wrote Dan Woike of The Athletic. “Doncic and his management team began working with Macek and Barrio in 2023. One year later, he helped carry the Mavericks to the NBA Finals.”
Luka, who was drafted third overall in 2018, was always naturally gifted, but there were questions about whether he could demonstrate the level of training and conditioning required to succeed at the highest levels. Ultimately, Doncic’s camp believed more time and experience would show him the formula to success.
“The belief among Doncic’s team was, to some degree, that as he matured as an NBA professional, he’d adopt some better habits and completely buy into a stricter strength and conditioning program instead of the more competition-driven approach he’d been comfortable with,” Woike wrote. “But improvement isn’t always linear.”
Despite career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 43.8% shooting, Doncic was cast aside by the Mavericks last season. Citing his lack of discipline and poor conditioning habits, they justified giving up Luka in the pursuit of a championship. Now, he intends to make them pay.
With a renewed competitive fire, a chip on his shoulder, and a supportive cast of teammates and associates, Doncic wants to make the Mavs regret ever letting him go by becoming the player they always wanted him to be.
Already, the reports out of Los Angeles have been positive. In his first offseason as a Laker, he’s shown a legitimate interest in expanding his arsenal and taking every measure to ensure his health and prosperity throughout the season.
For Doncic, however, this trend is not only the result of the blockbuster trade. No matter where he ended up, Doncic believes he was on the upward track and that what we’ve seen so far is just the beginning of what he can do on the court.
While it may be too soon for the Mavs to have regrets, it won’t take much for Doncic to make that trade look foolish. If he’s able to complete his body transformation and show the dedication to his craft that was lacking before, it may be the key to unlocking his full potential in the NBA.
In the end, Doncic’s evolution is about more than abs or cardio drills. It represents a mindset shift for a player who’s long relied on skill and savvy to dominate. Now that his body is finally catching up to his basketball IQ, the ceiling for Luka and the Mavericks is higher than ever.
