Home/Olympics

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Jubilation for one is agony and pain for another. That is how every sports final is. After the hard work and sacrifices made during the run, Luka Doncic and the Mavs couldn’t cope with the fiery Celtics. Seeking revenge for the last game’s humiliation, the Jays led their forces to a commanding win in Game 5 to secure the title. The two prodigal superstars relished the confetti shower that sprayed across the TD Garden. A hobbling Doncic, on the other hand, was in no position to even provide an update for his important Paris trip too.

After the NBA Finals loss, a dejected Doncic sat with the media. There was some doubt about his participation in Paris due to his multiple injuries. But when asked about it, his heartbreak became evident. “I don’t want to talk about what’s next, man. I have some decisions to make. I’m just trying to get a little bit healthier. We’ll talk — we have interviews in two days, right? So I’ll give you an answer then” said the Mavericks’ generational talent as per Grant Afseth. Even before making it to the Finals, Doncic was limping on both feet. The 5-time All-Star is suffering from a sprain in his right knee and left ankle since the conference finals against the Wolves.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, a collision with MVP Brown would pile on a chest contusion on his already wounded body. Despite that, Doncic’s resilience was unmoved. He was determined to participate in his first NBA Finals. Even though they lost, the magical point guard was marvelous to witness. There is still a month for the Paris Olympics to start. Of course, the country of Slovenia and his teammates will all hope Doncic can recover in time. However, the odds aren’t looking to be in his favor.

Not only has he competed while enduring substantial pain, but he has also failed to give his injuries the due rest. A long summer rest should be the ideal treatment for the Slovenian. Nonetheless, his love for basketball transcends any injury advice. If he is even slightly fit, Luka Doncic will probably drape the Slovenian jersey in Paris. Do you think Luka Magic should accept the tremendous strain on his body and opt into such a heavy basketball calendar?

Slovenia needs Luka Doncic for the Paris Olympics!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Just like it is the case in the NBA, Luka Doncic is the best player for Slovenia. There is no dispute. The 25-year-old has been at the helm of some of their most famous international performances. Most recently at the FIBA World Cup, Doncic went berserk averaging 27 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Slovenia though lost in the QF to Canada. It was their joint-best position at the FIBA World Cup.

The juggernaut also played during the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 where he led the team to a fourth-place finish. Doncic finished as the competition’s second-best scorer averaging 23.8 points and the best assist man through six games. They lost to France, the second-place team in the quarterfinals before being overruled by Patty Mills’ 42-point outburst for Australia.

It’s pretty clear that Slovenia is better with Luka Donic. In fact, their only way to stay competitive with other nations at the Paris Olympics is by having the best player of their country on the floor. It’s unclear whether Doncic will recover in time. Only the coming few days will reveal his status and his intentions for the biggest international basketball tournament.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about WNBA star rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.