By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the loss to the Brooklyn Nets, before, during, and after which Luka Doncic was criticized by many for his lack of conditioning and somewhat of a weight problem, the Slovenian superstar admitted there is some truth to it.
Doncic said he relaxed following a long summer and the Olympics in which he led Dallas to the playoffs and Slovenia to the fourth spot, and knows he’s got to do better.
“People are going to talk about it, yes or no. I had a long summer. I had the Olympics, took three weeks off, and I relaxed a little bit. Maybe too much. I’ve just got to get back on track,” Luka explained.
According to ESPN’s report, Doncic came into the training camp with extra weight for the second year in a row. His weight is listed at 230 pounds (104 kg) but he came in with more than 260 lbs (117kg).
Another thing to consider has been the injuries to the ankle and knee (sprains) that have potentially interrupted his conditioning and slowed down his progress. He missed four games and the Mavs lost all four.
“It’s still painful, but I try to play and try to practice. But it’s still painful,” he said on the ankle.
Doncic is averaging 25.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.5 assists for the 11-12 Mavs.