Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is just like the rest of us, and isn’t that comforting?
Social media concern about “Donthicc’s” preseason weight make us feel like he’s human; it’s the same feeling we get watching a professional golfer shoot a 10 on a hole.
We can totally relate.
Weight-Gate
Obsession about the 6’7″ 230 pound Slovenian’s weight took over social media this week.
Check it out.
Nba players they are just like us. Or me specifically pic.twitter.com/R34Rlo66e0
— Kirk (@KirkSeriousFace) December 13, 2020
Fat Luka 🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/jBGzAv85ad
— Lightskin Jimmy Butler (@callmehuie) December 13, 2020
Other fan reactions include this universal truth.
“Quarantine has been a struggle for all of us.”
“He looked extra slow yesterday. Needs to drop like 10-15 pounds. He still played well though.”
Luka’s Reaction
When asked about it, Doncic told Dallas Morning News reporter Brad Townsend the following:
“I mean, people on Twitter say every stuff “But, it’s true I’m not in my best shape. I will get there for sure. But, you know, I’ve never been a muscular guy, so what can I say?”
Reason for Concern
Clearly, Luka is not worried.
To be fair, Luka’s play is not really based on speed or agility; he is described as more of a crafty player.
But weight has been an issue for him in the past.
Back in June Doncic’s trainer, Jure Drakslar, talked about his pupil.
“Most players struggled to stay in shape. He is no exception. We understand his role in Dallas. Luka is improving every day. He puts in a lot of effort. He has completely dedicated himself to be ready…He is not in the best shape, which is normal. NBA games will not be played before the end of July, so there is enough time to recover and get ready. However, he undoubtedly would be ready to play right now.”
2020 Season Ended 5 Minutes Ago, But 2021 Season Is Upon Us.
Doncic hasn’t been out of action long.
While the Lakers won the NBA Championship in October, Doncic’s Mavericks lost in the first round of the playoffs to the L.A. Clippers in late August.
The final game of the Mavericks 2021 NBA preseason is on December 17 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Doncic’s Mavericks open the regular season on the road on December 23 against the Phoenix Suns.
“Weighty” Expectations
The Mavericks trip back to the 2020 NBA playoffs for the first time in 4 years is a promising sign that the playoff drought is behind them.
Doncic’s play is a big reason for their success; he finished 4th in NBA MVP voting.
He was the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year after crossing over to the NBA after 3 seasons in the EuroLeague.
Luka averaged 28.8 points per game last season and is viewed NBA’s “next big thing” (pun not intended) comparing him to Steph Curry.
Furthermore, ESPN recently learned this from an anonymous NBA Eastern Conference executive.
“If you put a gun to my head and you have to go win a playoff series, I’d say LeBron.”
But Doncic is coming, and will “win multiple MVPs.”
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