One of the more disappointing elements of the 2018 NBA Summer League is that Mavericks sensation Luka Doncic isn’t projected to play. It’s not disappointing in that he has to play — he’s coming off of a long season in Europe and is totally in his right to charge his batteries — it’s more disappointing because Doncic rules and it would be fun to watch him cook in Vegas.
But a light is shining on the horizon for all of us who want to watch the best player in Europe last season show what he can do. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle spoke to the media on Thursday, and while Doncic’s availability is still up in the air, Carlisle did say that the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft will be in attendance.
Rick Carlisle clarifies Luka Doncic’s contract situation. pic.twitter.com/cke0CnpASs
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) July 5, 2018
“He has not had a live practice yet, but he will be in Vegas,” Carlisle said. “He is gonna continue to ramp up his workload and there remains a possibility that he could play, but to what percentage I could guarantee that, I just can’t. I’m just not gonna go there. But that’s where things are, and remember, this guy just got done playing 10 days ago or whatever.”
There’s a ton of anticipation about what Doncic will bring to the Mavericks due to his illustrious career overseas at such a young age. Whether we’ll get the chance to see his game on display over the next few weeks is unclear, but the mere possibility of him taking the floor in Las Vegas is exciting.
