For most NBA players, when the season ends, it’s time to take time off and relax before starting their preparations for the next season. However, this is not true for international stars, and even among those, Luka Doncic is a special case. Doncic is from Slovenia, and he takes great pride in representing his country at every competition, which includes EuroBasket, the Olympics, and the FIBA World Cup.
This NBA offseason is no different, with qualifying games for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup followed by EuroBasket in September, and Luka has been trying to get in shape for it individually. Doncic is committed to playing for Slovenia during these games, and preparation has already begun as the team aims to qualify for the World Cup and win EuroBasket once again.
They played a friendly game against Italy, with Doncic taking the court for public viewing for the first time since the Dallas Mavericks crashed out of the Western Conference Finals against the eventual champion Golden State Warriors. A compilation of his incredible highlights from the game went viral soon after.
Luka’s stat line doesn’t seem too impressive, he scored 12 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 7 assists, something he usually does in a half in the NBA, but the plays he did make were incredible to watch. His behind-the-head pass for a three and patented stepback was wildly entertaining as he gives Slovenia hope ahead of some very important games for the team.
Doncic has been selected to the All-NBA First Team 3 times in a row, he is widely considered a Top 7 player in the NBA, and he clearly can’t get enough of playing basketball. Mavericks fans will be hoping he gets a taste of success and stays in shape over the summer as they look to go beyond the Western Conference Finals next season and win what would be the franchise’s second championship.
