Mavs: Luka Doncic's Health Transformation With Slovenia Should Scare NBA Rivals

(Photo : Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) OKINAWA, JAPAN - Luka Doncic (#77) of Slovenia looks on during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2nd Round Group K game between Germany and Slovenia at Okinawa Arena.

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is no stranger to an athlete struggling to be in the best shape on the basketball court.

Doncic's weight and conditioning issues are well documented, with the Slovenian cager admitting that he needed to do better than in the past.

Now, it appears the Dallas Mavericks star has continuously worked on that since then, and such has been noticed. Further, an in-shape Luka Doncic will also mean bad news to the opposing teams he plays against in the NBA.

Doncic is seeing action at the 2023 FIBA World Cup for Slovenia and has been gaining much attention. One of his teammates, naturalized Slovenian cager Mike Tobey, marveled at the four-time All-Star's transformation, hailing him for finding the proper regiment in taking better care of his body, Eurohoops reported.

"I'd say I feel he's a little bit more rested. He looks fresh and in shape, he's really taking care of his body and himself a lot more seriously this summer. You can tell it by his nutrition, by how he looks: he's in a lot better shape. I really see a big step forward in that part of his professionalism. He seems to be more focused," the undrafted player from the 2016 NBA Draft said.

The 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year has been playing splendidly at the FIBA World Cup 2023 for Slovenia. He is averaging 25 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in the four games he has played for his team, a glimpse of better things to come.

Bracing for Team Canada

Doncic and Tobey will have their hands full in the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday, September 6, that will be played at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Although he admits Canada will be a tough customer, the 28-year-old feels it remains an open field.

"Canada, as said, has been playing great with a lot of talent. The teams I've just mentioned will be the favorite, in my opinion, but I really think it's an open field," Tobey quipped.