NBA Insider: ‘Keep An Eye’ on Luka, Slovenia in FIBA World Cup

Following a disappointing 2022-23 NBA season, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks hit the reset button this offseason with a revamped roster.

While Mavs GM Nico Harrison was busy re-signing Kyrie Irving and adding new pieces to the team, Doncic has been at home in Slovenia preparing for next month’s FIBA World Cup.

In Monday’s episode of Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, Windhorst and company discussed the upcoming World Cup, including the Doncic-led Slovenian National team.

“Slovenia finished fourth place in the Olympics in 2021 and Luka was unconscious in that tournament,” Windhorst said. “If you’re a Luka fan, if you’re a Mavericks fan — keep an eye on what Slovenia can do.”

As Windhorst noted, Doncic absolutely dominated the Tokyo Olympics, averaging 23.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game — ranking no lower than second in the three main statistical categories.

And in summers where Doncic is preparing to play for his country, that means the Mavs superstar will be in top-tier shape heading into the new NBA season, which bodes well for Dallas.

“Luka’s loyalty to the Slovenian National team could be considered a very encouraging thing for the Mavericks moving forward,” Tim MacMahon said.

With the likes of Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Serbia’s Nikola Jokic, and France’s Victor Wembanyama not partaking in the World Cup next month, along with a rather inexperienced USA team taking the court, Doncic and Slovenia could just be the dark horse to win it all.

Follow Michael Mulford on Twitter. Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Mavericks? Click Here. Follow DallasBasketball.com on Twitter and Facebook.