By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looked back on Luka Doncic showing up for the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season unfit and overweight. He considers his reaction brilliant, he explained during a radio appearance on The Ticket in Dallas.
“I think he was humbled a little bit,” noted Cuban, relays ESPN, “I think he didn’t like being called out for his weight and other things, and it finally clicked that there’s a level of discipline that’s required. All athletes at his level go through it at some level, where things are just easy and you’re always used to being the best and you’re always used to getting all the accolades. Then when something doesn’t go according to expected, it makes you reconsider.”
Doncic, 22, overcame early struggles putting up 27.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game over 44 appearances this season. His resurgence has produced 36.3 points per contest through February.
The Slovenian superstar admitted to having relaxed to a large degree in the weeks between playing with the Slovenia national team in the Olympic Games and reporting for training camp in Dallas. He had apparently gained some weight.
“He knows what he needs to do, and it finally clicked that if he’s going to be the best, and I know he wants to be the best, that there are certain things he has to control,” explained Cuban after enjoying multiple impressive showings by Doncic, “Once he got a handle on those things, it’s just been ‘Katie, bar the door.’ He’s just been unstoppable.”
After the All-Star Game break, Doncic and the Mavericks will resume the Regular Season by visiting the Utah Jazz Friday.
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