Paris Olympics: Luka Doncic Might Sacrifice His ‘Biggest Joy’ & Giannis Antetokounmpo Temptation for Mavericks’ Future

Luka Doncic faced a lot of adversities in the form of injuries on the Dallas Mavericks‘ post-season run. First, it was the right knee sprain that troubled him throughout the playoffs since the first round. However, he played through it and faced left ankle soreness during the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Though that was not the end. In the Finals as well, the Mavs guard suffered from a thoracic contusion halfway through the playoff series. Now, the 25-year-old has returned to his nation, Slovenia, ahead of the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament. Yet his statement on plans ahead has cast a shadow on his Paris Olympics ambitions.

When Luka entered the NBA Finals and asked about playing for Slovenia, he said he was “going to play” for his team. Even the Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison had great expectations for the 25-year-old as he said regarding the same, “That’s probably one of his biggest joys. As long as he can walk, he’s probably going to play for them.” However, Luka’s tone changed after he suffered the championship loss in Game 5 of the finals. When the media asked Doncic about the plans again, he replied, “I don’t want to talk about what’s next, man. I have some decisions to make.”

Apparently, Doncic might want to get healthier and then check his path ahead. Even Slovenian medical staff decided to examine the Mavs guard’s knee before giving him the green for the qualifiers. In case they give a thumbs up to Luka Doncic, he will play in the qualifying tournament at Peace and Friendship Stadium probably between July 2 and 7. Moreover, if everything goes well Doncic might also encounter Frenchman Giannis Antetokounmpo after facing New Zealand and Croatia in the group stage. It is expected to be a knockout clash between two NBA elites.

Can Luka Doncic rise up to the occasion to assist his Slovenian teammates to victory?

It is evident that Luka Doncic never surrenders to injuries, as he displayed in the postseason with his performance. Despite the injuries, he averaged 29.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the NBA Finals. Even when the Mavs team was facing criticism from all sides while they were down by three, Doncic did not lose his calm. Rather, he delivered in the fourth game against the Boston Celtics to keep his team away from a sweep. He hooped 29 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals in just three quarters for the Mavericks.

It was one of the best team performances from the Mavs in the finals, all thanks to Luka Magic. He was indomitable on the offense, as usual. However, the weak defense that is often discussed about him displayed its excellence on the other side of the court in Game 4. The 25-year-old also looked more serene than usual Luka, who used to shout at referees. It was the reason why the Mavs secured the third-largest margin of victory in Finals history.

With such a wonderful performance under severe pressure, it is expected that Luka will rise for his Slovenian buddies as well. There is a chance that some of them might not play anymore. What are your thoughts on the situation? Will Luka Doncic’s condition stop him from playing in the Olympics? Comment down your thoughts.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, opens up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.