Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic won’t rest during the offseason. Doncic said Monday he plans to play for the Slovenian national team as it attempts to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
Doncic’s comments come a day after the Mavericks were knocked out of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Clippers. Doncic’s Mavericks took the Clippers to Game 7, but couldn’t close the deal against Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Doncic was magnificent throughout the series, averaging 35.7 points and 10.3 assists against the Clippers.
The Slovenian men’s national basketball team will play qualifying games in late June. If the team qualifies, Doncic will take part in the Olympics, which begin July 23 and end Aug. 8.
The 2021-22 NBA season will start on time in October, which means Doncic would only have a few weeks off before he reports to the Mavericks.
Luka Doncic hints at signing max extension
Doncic, 22, has played three seasons in the NBA, meaning he’s eligible to sign a five-year, max extension with the Mavericks in the offseason. Given Doncic’s talent and growth, it’s all but guaranteed the Mavericks will extend that offer to Doncic.
If there was any question over whether Doncic would take that deal, he answered it Monday, saying, “I think you know the answer” when asked whether he’ll sign that contract.
With Doncic under contract long-term, the Mavericks will need to figure out how to surround him with elite talent. The Mavericks made the playoffs the past two seasons, but failed to advance past the first round both years. They managed that despite Doncic averaging 33.5 points in 13 career postseason games.
Finding a dependable No. 2 to pair with Doncic would go a long way toward the Mavericks turning into a legitimate championship contender in the near future.
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