Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić is not done playing basketball despite his long NBA season being over.
The 25-year-old is currently in action for his country, Slovenia, as they compete for a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris at the FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Greece, from July 2 to 7.
Doncic discussed the significance of representing his home country at international basketball competitions.
"We are two million [population], and to represent this country means everything to me. Especially I want to say thanks to Dallas, you know, they let me play. They never have a problem with this. They always know I'm gonna play, so it's a big honor for me," the Mavs star said after Slovenia's opening loss to Croatia.
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The five-time All-NBA First Team member has played for Slovenia in every available chance since entering the NBA, including the past three years, which featured the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021), EuroBasket 2022, and the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Slovenia crushed by Croatia in Olympic qualifiers
Despite the presence of one of the best players in the world, Slovenia was dominated in the opening game of their 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament against Croatia on Tuesday, July 2.
Slovenia suffered a lopsided 108-92 defeat, with Doncic showing signs of discomfort amid the injuries he played through in the 2024 NBA Playoffs as the Mavs made a trip to the Finals.
The five-time NBA All-Star dropped a triple-double with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, but he only shot 8-of-23 from the field, including 0-of-9 from three-point range.
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