Dallas Mavericks: Gregg Popovich offers massive praise for Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks have made the playoffs for two straight years behind Luka Doncic. The 22-year-old superstar continues to break records and prove he is one of the best players in the league. The Mavs will be looking to add talent this offseason, so they can jump into title contention in 2022.

Luka is concentrated on the Olympics, though. He had an unbelievable 31-point triple-double in the finals of the qualifying tournament to lift Slovenia to Tokyo. The nation of just over 2 million people will be making its first appearance at the Olympics.

Doncic is not stopping here. He is going to Tokyo to win an Olympic gold medal. As a teenager, Luka helped Slovenia win EuroBasket 2017. The plans are no different heading into the Olympics. Their toughest test will be Team USA. Head coach Gregg Popovich offered his thoughts on Luka and Slovenia on July 7.

Gregg Popovich offers massive praise for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic

Popovich had his second Team USA media session on July 7. He was asked about Luka and the Slovenia National Team. See the legendary coach’s response below.

"“He’s a spectacular player, as we all know. He is one of the best players in the world, and I emphasize, in the world. He showed himself early on in Europe, and he was a fast study in the NBA, for sure. He’s fun to watch. His skills, his competitiveness, his size, his innate basketball IQ is so impressive. You put four hard-working people around him, and you’ve got a hell of a team, and that is what they have. They are also aggressive, execute well, the coaching staff is very committed, everybody wants to win, and nobody wants to win any more than Luka. I’m sure he’s very happy right now, and he’ll continue to compete at a high level without any doubt.”"

Doncic was otherworldly during the Olympic Qualifying tournament in Lithuania. He averaged 21.3 points, 11.3 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 25.5 minutes over the four contests. He shot 55.6 percent from the field and 39.1 percent on his threes as his team went undefeated. Slovenia plays a five-out offense with Mike Tobey as the primary roll man for Doncic. They will be difficult to defeat in Tokyo.

Luka Doncic continues to make his case as the best player in the world right now. He averaged 35.7 points, 10.3 assists, and 7.9 rebounds in the NBA playoffs this year. Nobody can slow down the 22-year-old. Team USA is bringing an incredibly talented roster to the Olympics, but they are not looking forward to playing Luka and Slovenia. The action begins in Tokyo on July 24.

Keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest Luka Doncic content, plus rumors, opinions, news, and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks offseason. Fans will not want to miss a second of the action. Expect the Mavs to make moves this summer as Doncic competes for an Olympic medal. Stay tuned.