NBA insider reports Luka Doncic has been involved in "full practice sessions" with father Sasa Doncic's team
Ahead of his seventh NBA season, Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic is reportedly taking extensive measures to enter training camp in optimal shape.
Doncic's offseason routine and fluctuating weight are often hot topics of discussion entering the start of each season. Fans and pundits also regularly question his physical fitness whenever Dallas experiences shortcomings.
Doncic began facing criticism again late last month for appearing slightly overweight at fellow countryman Goran Dragic's farewell charity game in Slovenia.
However, with training camp fast approaching, Doncic appears locked in. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the five-time All-Star has been "ramping things up" with his father Sasa Doncic's Slovenian team.
"I think his training camp has already begun," Stein said Thursday on the "DLLS Mavs Podcast."
"... He has been practicing often recently with Ilirija, which is a team in Slovenia. His father, Sasa, is the general manager. ... Luka’s been practicing with them a lot. So, he hasn’t just been doing workouts, he’s been going through some full practice sessions already."
Doncic is coming off a career-best season. Over 70 outings, he averaged a league-leading 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 4.1 3-pointers per game, shooting 48.7% and 38.2% from deep. He finished third in MVP voting, leading the fifth-seeded Mavericks (50-32) to a surprise NBA Finals berth.
Nevertheless, if Doncic can enter the 2024-25 campaign in tip-top shape, he may be able to take his game to another level, particularly on the defensive end.
Also Read: Slovenian newspaper reports on Luka Doncic's health as he becomes nation's 6x Sports Personality of the Year winner
Paul Pierce says Luka Doncic is "under most pressure" of any star player entering 2024-25 NBA season
Coming off his first finals berth, Luka Doncic faces high expectations in Year 7. According to Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce, Doncic is "under the most pressure" of any star player entering this upcoming season.
Pierce cited Doncic's need to secure his first MVP and championship to become the NBA's next "face."
"He's been favored to win MVP the last three years. ... Now, just coming off the finals, I feel like he's in that conversation," Pierce said on "KG Certified." "When we talk about face of the league, Luka's name is in that mix. I just feel like it's him."
Despite Doncic's growing accolade list, he is only 25. So, the five-time All-NBA first team selectee may just be entering his prime. Nevertheless, he will likely need to win his first title over the next few seasons to live up to the immense expectations placed upon him.
Also Read: "Young man who is compared to Michael Jordan" - Kendrick Perkins reveals his early pick for NBA MVP passing on Luka Doncic & Ja Morant