Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic taking All-Star weekend by storm

Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic was snubbed as an All-Star, but fans will get to see plenty of action from Luka this weekend.

The Dallas Mavericks drafted Luka Doncic last summer with the expectation that he would blossom into an All-Star and elite performer. Nobody anticipated that he would play at that level from day one.

Doncic was snubbed from being an All-Star despite producing worthy numbers. His 20.7 points per game at the break is more than six traditional All-Stars (not including Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade who are both in this year’s game for career achievements). Luka has all-around production too. He is averaging 7.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 2.4 3-pointers made per game on the year in 32.2 minutes a night.

Doncic will not be part of Sunday’s main event (barring being added as a late injury replacement), but fans will get to see plenty of the rookie showcasing his talents during All-Star weekend.

Rising Stars game

Luka Doncic is already representing the Dallas Mavericks in Charlotte. He arrived on Thursday and will be a fixture of the weekend’s coverage.

On Friday, Luka is part of the World Team in the Rising Stars game. Fans can watch at 9 p.m. ET on TNT. Dirk Nowitzki is helping coach the squad.

Doncic is the favorite to win MVP of the game. He is part of a stacked team that features Ben Simmons, Deandre Ayton, Lauri Markkanen and others. They face the U.S. Team. The game is made up of first and second-year players and is always an exciting kickoff for the weekend.

Skills Challenge

Mavericks fans will want to keep their Saturday evening dance card blank. The night’s festivities begin at 8 p.m. ET with the Skills Challenge. Luka is one of eight competitors vying for the trophy. He figures to be a favorite, but expect stiff competition from Mike Conley, De’Aaron Fox, Nikola Jokic, and Jayson Tatum.

That event is followed by Dirk participating in the 3-point Contest. Nowitzki has won previously won the event and should be fan favorite in his final All-Star game.

The night wraps up with the dunk contest featuring former Dallas Mavericks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. Fans will remember his dunk from last year, and he figures to be a favorite to bring home the title.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will be competing in both the Rising Stars game and the Skills Competition at NBA All-Star weekend. The Slovenian is going to take the early festivities by storm. Do not be surprised to see him win MVP of the Rising Stars game and take home the trophy in the Skills Competition.  Luka always seems to shine on the biggest stages.

The future in Dallas could not be brighter with number 77 on the team. Doncic turns 20 on Feb. 28, but his performance as a teenager has left fans salivating. The best is still yet to come for both Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, so stay tuned.