Luka Doncic Balances NBA Finals and Olympic Ambitions
Boston – As the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, star player Luka Doncic is not only eyeing his first NBA championship but also preparing for a potential Olympic run with Slovenia. Despite battling knee issues throughout the playoffs, Doncic has expressed his determination to participate in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Greece starting July 2, provided his knees hold up.
Doncic has been a pivotal player for the Mavericks this season, leading the league in scoring and guiding his team to their first Finals appearance since 2011. The Slovenian basketball federation recently included him in the list of 16 players vying for a spot in the national team for the Olympic qualifiers. If Slovenia succeeds in the tournament, they will secure a place in the 12-team men’s field at the Paris Olympics, set to begin in late July.
Doncic, known for his remarkable performance on international stages, including the Tokyo Olympics and EuroBasket, emphasized his commitment to playing for his country. “If it’s good, I’m going to go play,” he stated, referring to his knee condition.
The NBA Finals schedule poses a challenge, with the series potentially extending to June 23 if it goes the full seven games. This tight timeline leaves Doncic with minimal rest before the Olympic qualifiers, highlighting his dedication and resilience.
Slovenia’s competition in the qualifying tournament includes Greece, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Croatia, and Egypt. Doncic’s participation is crucial for Slovenia, given his previous Olympic debut in 2021, where he scored 48 points in a single game, tying for the second most in any men’s Olympic game.
As the NBA Finals progress, Doncic’s performance continues to captivate fans, while his potential Olympic appearance adds another layer of excitement to his already illustrious career. The basketball world watches closely as Doncic navigates these dual commitments, aiming for glory both in the NBA and on the international stage
