Slovenia’s head coach has provided an update on the status of superstar Luka Doncic.
Luka Doncic played his first game since the NBA Playoffs last week when Slovenia faced Germany in an international friendly.
Doncic scored 19 points in 24 minutes and his performance was praised by the Slovenian press, despite the loss.
Two nights later Doncic was omitted from the team as Slovenia took on Germany again. It was another loss, and for the first time since, the coaching staff have clarified the reasons he missed the game.
Luka Doncic latest
Slovenia are currently warming up ahead of another two friendly games, as they look to tune up ahead of the EuroBasket tournament.
Speaking to Slovenian outlet Ekipa, coach Aleksander Sekulic explained that Doncic’s absence from the second game was purely a case of load management.
He said: “Luka joined the national team late, so we have to pay attention to the number of games he plays or the number of minutes he spends on the court.
“That’s why we took the opportunity in Germany and tested other guys, which was also positive.”
Doncic had expressed before the game that he was unclear how many minutes he would play, adding that he was also experiencing jet lag.
Slovenia’s Luka Doncic plan
Slovenia are set to play two back-to-back road games, in Lithuania on Friday 15 August and then in Latvia on Saturday 16.
Discussing the plan, Sekulic hinted that spectating fans in one of the two countries could be left disappointed if they hope to catch Luka Doncic live.
“That’s a good question. We’ve talked about it a lot, we’ll make a decision today or tomorrow.
“We’re leaning towards Doncic playing only one match, but that he plays it in full or with the minutes that are expected of him.”
Doncic has spent the offseason getting into the best shape of his career, and these games for Slovenia are an early chance for him to test his basketball fitness.
The challenge is for Doncic to stay fully fit and be ready for the NBA opener, with the Lakers beginning the season against the Warriors, and then facing his former team the Mavericks in the NBA Cup days later.
