Kofi Inkoom
Luka Doncic ‘s persistent left thigh injury remains a concern as the 2023-24 season approaches, casting a shadow over the Dallas Mavericks.
Even as Doncic completed his participation in the FIBA World Cup representing Slovenia, he’s well aware that there’s limited time to recover fully.
Regarding his left leg injury after Slovenia’s loss to Lithuania, Luka Doncic expressed his frustration, saying,
“I don’t know what to say, It’s not good.”
He acknowledged the need to prepare for one more game and then a full NBA season ahead as reported by Grant Afseth of Dallas Basketball.
Slovenia concluded their FIBA campaign with an 89-85 win against Italy on Saturday.
Luka Doncic, despite ongoing discomfort in his left thigh and despite the relatively low stakes of the seventh-place game, played and put up an impressive performance with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists hence cementing his name as one of the best players in the tournament.
This is an encouraging sign, especially considering his recent strenuous match against Lithuania just two days earlier.
With the Mavericks beginning their training camp in less than three weeks, it’s crucial for Doncic to prioritize rest and recovery for an injury that initially appeared in March and caused him to miss five consecutive games.
However, if he doesn’t encounter any setbacks, it’s expected that Doncic won’t miss any early-season games with Dallas, and he’ll likely participate in Slovenia’s Olympic qualifying matches next summer.
“I play no matter what, even in the Olympic qualifiers, if only I’m healthy,” Doncic said.
Luka bears a greater offensive burden than any other NBA player.
Despite acquiring Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline last season, providing Doncic with a much-needed perimeter co-star, it’s a valid assertion to say that the Mavericks’ success in the 2023-24 season will be closely tied to how far Doncic can carry them.
Finally, the persistent pain in Doncic’s left leg remains a concerning issue for Dallas as the 2023/24 NBA season rapidly approaches.