Luka Doncic said he might’ve relaxed a bit too much over the summer after his weight became a topic of discussion during the Mavericks’ loss to the Nets on Tuesday night.
“I had a long summer,” Doncic said while acknowledging his conditioning must improve.
“I had the Olympics, took three weeks off, and I relaxed a little bit. Maybe too much. I’ve just got to get back on track.”
The Mavericks guard joined the Slovenian national team’s training camp days after Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs, and then led his country to a fourth-place finish in its first Olympics.
During Tuesday’s game against Brooklyn, in which the Nets rallied from a 17-point deficit, TNT broadcaster Reggie Miller discussed the 22-year-old’s stamina, and noted that “this is the heaviest I’ve probably ever seen Luka look, right now.”
Doncic reported to Mavericks training camp weighing in at around 260 pounds — 30 pounds above his listed playing weight, according to ESPN. It was reportedly his second straight year having done so. NBA.com lists his weight as 230 pounds.
“I know he’s had a long year with the Olympics, but look how he’s plodding up and down. He’s not really running,” Miller said on the broadcast.
TNT announcer Kevin Harlan added, “We’ve done a couple of these Mavs games and when you’re around the team what you hear is he’s worn out… My eyes tell me he’s a little heavier.”
Doncic appeared tired and gassed as the Nets took over in the fourth quarter to claim a 102-99 comeback victory. Doncic still finished with 28 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, which speaks to high how the bear is for the 22-year-old.
“People are going to talk about it, yes or no, but I know I’ve got to do better. I had a long summer,” Doncic said while addressing his weight after the game. “I think I relaxed a little bit, not taking care, but I’ve got to be better.”
Doncic returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing Saturday’s loss to Memphis with ankle and thumb injuries.
The Mavericks were considered by some to be a darkhorse contender this season, but are off to a disappointing 11-12 start. Dallas plays the Grizzlies (14-10) again on Wednesday — their second back-to-back in a span of five days.