Luka Doncic, Slovenia Could Make Major Adjustment; Mike Tobey Joins Team

As Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic and the Slovenian national team prepare for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the team faces key areas to improve after losing consecutive exhibition matches against Greece.

Doncic recorded a triple-double in his first exhibition match against Greece, with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. His second performance ended early after scoring 18 first-half points due to knocking knees with a rival player midway through the second quarter. He was held out due to precaution.

One potential adjustment for Slovenia is to deploy him one the wing, playing at the three or the four spot more. Without Edo Muric and Vlatko Cancar due to torn ACLs, there is a major need for greater impact on the wing. As a result, Doncic, who stands at 6-foot-7, with a strong frame, could slide over in the lineup to help fill the void.

"A lot of things just stand out," Slovenian national team coach Aleksander Sekulic said, via Sportklub Slovenija. "Among other things, our advantage is that Luka can cover as many as four playing positions with his body, both in defense and in attack. That could be the solution.

"But I wouldn't neglect other basketball players, specially young guys," Sekulic explained. "The problem that arises is the lack of experience at the highest level. At the WC, we will play against the best in the world."

Doncic trained without issue while continuing preparation with the team since having his most recent performance end early. There was naturally a concerned initial reaction from observers when Doncic was hobbling off the court, but with it only being an exhibition game, there was no need to risk anything.

"The match against the Greeks showed everyone what awaits us when we face the best," Sekulic said. "Nobody will spare Doncic. Everyone will 'start' at him. He is our best basketball player. The reaction of others will be important. They have to protect him."

Even with a possible lineup adjustment, it will be no simple task for Slovenia to overcome losing Cancar to injury, who suffered his torn ACL after landing awkwardly following a dunk during Friday's game. Regardless, the expectation is upheld for there to be a response from the team going forward. An improvement in defensive execution will be needed.

"I don't like to draw conclusions after one game," Sekulic said. "After the poor performance in Athens, I will not talk about the disaster. I expect a response. A bad match should be the reason for the right reaction. I also expect a response to Cancar's injury. The players must come together and find solutions."

One positive roster outcome for Slovenia is that big man Mike Tobey did rejoin the team, which given the two-man game chemistry between him and Doncic, it could provide a needed spark going forward.

Slovenia returns to action on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. CST when they take on Montenegro in Ljubljana — the final game in the country before traveling to Malaga, Spain, for exhibition matches against Spain and Team USA.

Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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