“I Know What Shape I’m in”: Luka Doncic Clears the Air on Unfit Rumors Ahead of NBA Return

After a three-month hiatus, the NBA will return in a few weeks. Many players have backed out, citing multiple reasons. But others like Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic are itching to hit the hardwood again. Averaging 28.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 8.7 assists, he is leading the Mavs to a playoff appearance for the first time in four years.

During a Zoom call with reporters, he was asked if he had any second thoughts about playing in the return. Doncic replied, “No, I never hesitated. I always wanted to play. I miss basketball a lot, so I just want to play. There was no question about me. I just want to play.”

For Luka Doncic, winning is the only goal

Last season, the Mavs missed out on the playoffs despite Luka having an amazing season where he ended up winning Rookie of the Year. But since then, his goal was to make the playoffs. Clutchpoints reported that he said, “We will. We’ll make the playoffs. We must. That’s our plan and I think we’ll make it.”

He has achieved that goal, and now just wants to continue winning. “We just want to win as many games as possible,” Doncic said. “Going there without pressure, having fun, playing basketball, and hopefully we can reach our goal. We just got to keep playing fun basketball ll and keep playing together.”

Doncic was also rumored to be unfit after an interview with his trainer was incorrectly translated. His trainer, Jure Drasklar, was quoted saying that Doncic “is not in the best shape, which is normal.” 

When he was asked about it during the Zoom call he said, “Yeah, it was a misunderstanding. He said like game shape. That means like five-on-five and something else. But I saw it and a lot of that I just didn’t care much. I know what shape I’m in. I think I’m in good shape and I’ll just get better until Orlando games start.”

Dallas made a big move last season when they traded for Kristaps Porzingis. It was a big splash and a risky one too, since he was injured at that time. However, not only has he signed a max extension with them since but has also justified the money and risk. He has had a good season so far, averaging 19.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

Now that the Mavs have found their franchise player, they have started building around him already. Along with Porzingis, the Mavs brought in Seth Curry and Delon Wright, who have been quality additions so far. Curry’s sharpshooting ability has been clutch for them, with him shooting 45% from three.

With the way Luka is progressing, the Mavs might just be a few pieces away from being a contending team.