Mavericks: What to expect from Luka Doncic on Slovenian National Team

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for their playoff rematch against the LA Clippers. Superstar Luka Doncic has playoff experience and is hungry for his first series win, but the Mavs enter as underdogs. The rematch with the Clippers brings plenty of drama and excitement to one of the best series of the first round.

Doncic went on 96.7 The Ticket in Dallas for a wide-ranging interview with The Hang Zone. They talked about everything from the NBA Playoffs to his experience with COVID-19 to Luka’s relationship with Mavs GOAT Dirk Nowitzki. It is a must-listen for all Mavericks fans.

Doncic let supporters know that he plans to play for his native Slovenia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and Olympics if they advance. What should fans expect from the 22-year-old superstar during FIBA play this summer?

What to expect from Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic on Slovenian National Team

The Olympic field in Tokyo will feature 12 teams. Seven qualified through the 2019 FIBA World Cup, including the United States. The host country gets one of the spots. The final four are up for grabs this summer. There are four tournaments with the winner of each advancing to the Olympics.

Luka Doncic and Slovenia are in the Lithuanian Olympic Qualifying tournament. There are six teams in the competition. Slovenia faces Angola on June 30 before playing Poland on July 1. They must win one of those games to advance to the knockout stage. There Lithuania, Korea, or Venezuela will await. Luka would have to lead his national team to wins in the semifinals and finals to advance to Tokyo.

The Mavericks making a deep playoff run could throw a wrench into the plans. The NBA Playoffs are set to go through July 22 if the NBA Finals reaches game seven. Dallas going deep into the postseason could keep Doncic off the Slovenian National Team.

If he plays, Luka will be the leader and star of the team. He has not played for Slovenia since EuroBasket 2017 where they won the title. Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic will likely be Luka’s running mate as they look to reprise their success.

No team wants to face Slovenia with Doncic in FIBA play. The shorter 3-point line and more aggressive style translate well for Luka. The 22-year-old will be the best player on the court in every game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lithuania. That could spell doom for the competition.

A teenage Doncic averaged 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 29.1 minutes per game in EuroBasket 2017. The Mavericks superstar has made massive leaps in his game since that moment. Expect him to be virtually unstoppable in FIBA play this summer. The Slovenia National Team is in a difficult qualifier but would be one of the favorites to advance to Tokyo with Doncic. It will be a blast to watch. Fans should expect different team same Luka this summer.

Luka Doncic is not thinking about representing his country right now. The 22-year-old superstar is focused on leading the Dallas Mavericks on a deep playoff run. His team will need him to be special to make it a reality. Fans will not want to miss a second of the action, so please tune in and enjoy the games.