“He’s been favored to win the MVP the last three years. Just coming off The Finals, I feel like he’s in that conversation… When we talk about face of the league, Luka’s name is in the mix.” Celtics champion Paul Pierce had a definite answer when questioned about the player having the most pressure to win. At just 25, Luka Doncic has made several attempts to return the NBA title for the Dallas Mavericks. As a result, the franchise has made the playoffs four times in the last six seasons.

Moreover, they made it to the NBA Finals this year for the first time since 2011. Having come so close to the Larry O’Brien trophy now is not the time to rest. It simply means the Slovenian will need to be ever present to lead his team from the start. Fortunately, there is good news on that part.

Earlier today, NBA reporter Grant Afseth took to his official X account to highlight the Injury Report for the Mavericks’ upcoming season opener. Having missed the entirety of the preseason in light of a calf injury, questions might arise about Luka Doncic’s appearance. Fortunately, while the report does contain the names of three other players, the Slovenian’s name is nowhere present. This means the player received the green light. Well, Doncic’s opponent? Victor Wembanyama – the French wonder kid.

Luka Doncic had spent a major part of his offseason staying away from injuries. He even participated in the ‘Night of the Dragon’ event held in honor of 2018 NBA All-Star Goran Dragić in late August. However, he received criticism from ‘Hoops Tonight’ host Jason Timpf. He claimed the player needed to “get in shape.” The crisis began once the player arrived at training camp. Within just two days of the same, Shams Charania broke the news that Doncic developed a left calf contusion and that they would re-evaluate his condition only after a week. Fortunately, even back then, he wasn’t ruled out of the season opener.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd may have decided to bench Doncic for the entire regular season, following a similar approach taken with Kawhi Leonard and Ja Morant, to ensure Doncic gets enough rest for the season.

While the newest acquisition Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, and other Mavericks players, were finding their footing with a new franchise, Luka Doncic spent time engaging in 1-on-1 practice sessions with franchise assistant coach God Shammgod. Kidd revealed the player had been keeping himself busy with non-contact practice sessions. But the true extent of his availability status wouldn’t be known until the end of the preseason. Well, now we know.

Along with Doncic, the other players listed on the Injury Report include Dante Exum, Kessler Edwards, and Brandon Williams. Similarly to the Slovenian, Exum also developed his injury during training camp, falling prey to a wrist injury. After his surgery, the player is expected to be sidelined for the next three months. Both Edwards and Williams are currently playing under two-way contracts.

Luka Doncic reveals sets championship title as his primary goal!

Under the leadership of Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks could only secure a 1-3 win record in the preseason. Therefore, given the expectations that Luka Doncic has set for himself, he would want to return soon.

Before developing the injury, Luka Doncic appeared on the Dallas Mavericks Media Day full of optimism. Despite flailing at the NBA Finals by securing just a 1-4 win record, it was still enormous progress for the franchise. Having analyzed how far his team can go, the 25-year-old point guard doesn’t want to return now.

“Championship, that’s the goal,” said Doncic during the presser. Just as Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett pondered on the pressure that would be upon the player, the same question was also on the minds of the media members. Doncic reassured them stating, “I love pressure; it means we’ve done something good. I’ve felt it since I was at Real Madrid, I’m used to it. For the whole team, this should be a motivation, it’s a good sign.”

Luka Doncic currently holds a 15-5 win record against the Spurs, having last lost a game against them in April 2021, and currently riding on a 10-game win streak. He contributed significantly during these 20 games, averaging 29.4 points to accompany his 9.5 assists and 8.8 rebounds. Therefore, with Luka Doncic playing, combined with the fact that he and his squad possess a home-court advantage, the odds cannot get any better for the Dallas Mavericks.