Luka Doncic is in serious danger of a slow start due to overlooked reason

Today marks the first day of the regular season for the Dallas Mavericks as they tip off action against the San Antonio Spurs on national television. Today also marks the first game that Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic will be available to play after suffering a calf contusion early in training camp.

While the Mavericks have retooled around Doncic and Kyrie Irving after falling three games short of hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the team's state after wrapping up the preseason.

Newly added sharpshooter Klay Thompson will also be amongst the slew of Mavs making their Dallas debut. While adding Thompson was necessary over the offseason, the four-time champion's production could end up being limited without a healthy Doncic, however, recent practice reports hint at the duo getting off to a hot start together.

Despite practice reports being positive just a few days before the Mavericks begin their season, there is still a big underlying factor when it comes to Doncic's availability in game one of the regular season.

Doncic could get off to slow start after missing entire preseason

After sustaining a calf injury just one day into training camp, the Mavericks, and Doncic refused to take any risks until he was fully healthy.

Doncic played last year's playoffs through multiple injuries and wielded the Mavericks to their first Finals appearance in 13 years. Doncic's toughness has never been in question, but when it comes to health at the beginning of the year, he and the team understood they couldn't take any unnecessary risks.

While taking time to let these injuries heal after the playoffs would have likely been the smart thing to do, Doncic couldn't pass up the opportunity to possibly play in another Olympics for his home country of Slovenia.

After losing in the final pre-Olympic qualifying round to Giannis Antetokoumpo and Greece, Doncic could finally take the time he needed to heal the numerous injuries he had sustained over the season.

Entering training camp, Doncic looked in incredible shape. While a calf injury can be a setback, the Mavericks did the right thing in letting him rest. Unfortunately, the time Doncic missed could have been critical to the Mavericks getting off to a hot start.

It's not uncommon to see some of the league's biggest superstars opt out of the preseason entirely but Doncic's case is unique. With the Mavericks' offseason additions, Doncic must establish a connection quickly with some of the new guys.

It's also fair to assume that Doncic could get off to a slow start after not having the time to get into game shape. It may be only game one, but expectations are still high for Doncic and the Mavs.

Despite not playing, Doncic has delivered some fiery quotes that have put the league on alert. Doncic's time missed could not only hurt the team but his overall performance during the first few weeks of the season.