'Ready For Mexico': Luka Doncic Highlights NBA's Major All-Star Game Problem
DENVER — After the Dallas Mavericks were defeated 118-109 by the Denver Nuggets, it marked the end of their schedule until Feb. 23, when they return from the NBA All-Star break. In the meantime, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are set to participate in the festivities as the only set of All-Star starter teammates.
Doncic, who finished putting up 37 points, four rebounds, and nine assists, didn't sound overly enthusiastic about participating in the All-Star Game on Sunday. He was asked what he looks forward to most about playing in his fourth All-Star Game this weekend. He replied: "Sunday when I fly to Mexico."
Being selected to participate in the All-Star Game is undoubtedly an honor that shouldn't be taken for granted. However, the players and everyone involved in the event surely would favor going to a city like Miami, Los Angeles, Phoenix, or New Orleans to name a few, as opposed to Salt Lake City.
A lot of players look forward to the All-Star break to use it as a chance to reset in a destination like Mexico, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and various destinations. The role players that aren't selected to be All-Stars have no issue using the full break, but the players selected to the event, it's easy to see why there'd be lessened enthusiasm.
Next year, the All-Star Game will be held in Indianapolis and was in Cleveland last year. The enthusiasm level likely isn't going to be high if the event is being held on a non-destination city. Why not put the event in a destination city that isn't far from where most will be headed after?
Doncic is in the midst of a highly impressive season with averages of 33.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.5 steals. He recently returned a heel contusion and mentioned that he will use the All-Star break to rest and recover before the stretch run of the Mavs' remaining season.
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