Luka Doncic, the star guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has joined the Slovenian men’s national team for duty as they aim to secure a spot in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite facing injuries during the NBA Finals, Doncic is determined to play in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Greece.
The decision for Doncic to participate will ultimately be up to Slovenian doctors, but Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison is confident that Doncic will take the court for his country. Harrison expressed that playing for the national team is a source of great joy for Doncic, and he expects him to push through any physical challenges to compete.
Throughout his career, the 25-year-old Doncic has established himself as a top player in the league, earning five First Team All-Pro selections. In the 2023-24 season, he led the NBA in scoring with an impressive 33.9 points per game, while also showcasing his playmaking abilities with 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game.
Despite his outstanding performance, Doncic faced multiple injuries, including a right knee sprain, left ankle soreness, and a thoracic contusion during the NBA Finals. However, his resilience and determination to play through discomfort highlight his commitment to the game.
Slovenia will be competing against strong teams like Croatia, New Zealand, Egypt, the Dominican Republic, and Greece, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, for a chance to secure one of the remaining spots at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Slovenia finished fourth, with Doncic putting up impressive numbers of 23.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game.
As Doncic gears up to represent his country once again on the international stage, fans are eager to see him showcase his skills and leadership on the court. With his unwavering passion for the game and determination to succeed, Doncic is poised to make a significant impact as he aims to help Slovenia secure a spot in the prestigious Paris Olympics.