In the heart of Texas, a fan storm is brewing against Mavericks. In the NBA, athletes are often subjected to intense scrutiny when it comes to their physical fitness. Such is the case with the eye of this storm, Luka Dončić, the Mavericks’ 230 lb Slovenian sensation. According to recent reports, the Mavericks’ organization has had discussions with Dončić about his weight.
These discussions, however, have not been met with universal approval from fans. They have voiced their opinions, which have been creating a buzz in social media. The question at the heart of it all is simple: Is Luka’s weight really an issue?
The Maverick’s Concern with Luka
According to Tim Cato, who is writing for The Atlantic, members of the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff and management have expressed their desire for Luka Dončić to lose weight. The reasoning behind this request stems from concerns over his overall fitness level and how it may affect his long-term durability as a player.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 2, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) waits for play to resume against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
While there is no denying in Dončić’s immense skill on the basketball court, some believe that shedding excess weight could potentially enhance his agility and endurance during games. By becoming leaner and more physically fit, the management hopes that Dončić would be better equipped to handle both offensive and defensive responsibilities for an entire season.
As word of these discussions between management and Luka Doncic came to the public, fans took to social media to express their concerns on this matter.
NBA Twitter in frenzy: ‘Stop body shaming’
Many fans accused the team of fat-shaming their star player, with one fan stating, “He’s fine the way he is, stop fat shaming.”
Others have expressed concern about the future of the team, predicting a trade request from Dončić in the near future
Fans have also pointed out that despite his weight, Dončić is still putting up impressive numbers, averaging around 32-8-8.
Another fan argued: “His playing weight is not the problem. Him doing too damn much is the problem.”
Another fan humorously suggested that the Mavericks are on a “how to get your superstar player to leave” speedrun.
The ongoing controversy raises important concerns about body image standards in professional sports. The concern of management is how critical physical fitness can be for an athlete’s long-term success.
Watch This Story: Days After LeBron James Bombshell Drops on NBA World, Kyrie Irving Rumors Leave Fans in Disbelief: “Why Would He Do That”
Ultimately, only time will tell whether these discussions will lead to any significant changes in Luka Dončić’s physique or impact his career trajectory.
