Luka Doncic hasn’t been himself lately. Injuries have taken a toll on him, preventing him from shining in his blue and white jersey. However, a golden opportunity has arisen that could help him reclaim the spotlight– the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament. The Slovenian star has made up his mind to suit up for his national team and has received full backing from his Mavericks teammate.

During the postgame press conference on Thursday night, Doncic looked charged up after their 137-101 victory against the Wizards. Then, the point guard expressed his desire to play for his country. “I’m looking forward to just playing for my country,” he said. “Obviously, I’m going to play. It’s a pride, a joy to play for your own country every time I can. So, I’m going to do it.”

Doncic has never missed an opportunity to represent Slovenia since the 2017 EuroBasket. This time, it could be even more special, as there’s a possibility that his Mavs teammate, Daniel Gafford, could join him in the squad. The offensive center has already built a strong bond with Doncic and believes it would be great to play alongside him on the national team as well. “We already have a good relationship, but doing something like that could take it to the next level,” Gafford said. “It would give me a chance to see his background, learn about where he came from, and understand how he started his professional career. That would help us connect more.”

While both Doncic and Gafford appeared excited to take on national duties, fans on social media were left in splits over the former’s decision.

Mavs nation react to Luka Doncic’s decision

“People say he’s out of shape but he never stops hooping,” one of Luka’s fans remarked. Doncic has faced criticism for his physical appearance during the offseason, but that hasn’t affected his performance on the court. He continues to play at a high level, averaging 28.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, which is an impressive stat line.

Someone wished for Gafford to join the Slovenian team as well. “Hopefully gafford joins him,” their comment read. Before the 2024 Olympic Pre-Qualifiers in Greece, the team attempted to secure Slovenian citizenship for the 26-year-old but was unsuccessful. This time, they would plan to try it again.

“This off season he did not play and was his worst start ever…I am good with this,” commented another fan. While Doncic did participate in the offseason with Slovenia, the team lost in the qualifier round to Greece. However, the fan supports the 5-time All-Star taking on the responsibilities of representing his country.

Whereas, another fan seemed agitated with the decision. “That sounds great…If you get injured..is your “country” gonna pay for the damages incurred to the team that is paying you millions of dollars to play basketball for THEM?” they wrote raising a valid concern. Certainly, the Dallas franchise would bear the costs of any injuries due to the $207 million contract Doncic signed with them in 2021. Some fans echoed the same sentiment, while another offered a befitting reply to them.

“Any fan that doesn’t get that is just beyond help. We want him to be loyal to Dallas but criticise him for being loyal to his country?” they questioned, adding, “Doesn’t work like that. Its either in you or its not.” Wanting Doncic to only be faithful only to the Mavs and expecting him not to represent the national team simply because he could potentially get injured seems unfair.

Luka Doncic has been a key part of the Slovenian team in the 2017 EuroBasket, FIBA Olympic Qualifiers, and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He also played in the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket, the FIBA Basketball World Cup the following year, and this year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifiers. And he would continue to be the backbone of the Slovenian national team.