With superstar Luka Doncic in the ranks, there is always pressure on any team he plays in to maximize his ability.
Luka Doncic is a generational talent who has been the talk of the basketball world since he emerged at Real Madrid.
In 2025 Doncic is one of the NBA’s top superstars, but he is still chasing an elusive first championship, coming closest with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024.
Doncic is now attempting to win another title, preparing for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament with Slovenia.
Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty ImagesLuka Doncic teammate defends Slovenia coach
Slovenia are among the outsiders to win EuroBasket, behind Germany, Serbia and France.
The problem Slovenia face is a lack of truly elite talent on Luka Doncic’s level, but coaching is also a factor.
Aleksander Sekulic has been the Slovenia head coach since 2020, and one of the team’s top players has defended his credentials.
Real Madrid’s Klemen Prepelic argues Sekulic is the best option, and cites the way he coaches Luka Doncic as the key reason.
Prepelic says Sekulic has been able to get the most out of Doncic, and in the process he called out Mavericks coach Jason Kidd for failing to do so.
“Aleksander Sekulic is by far the best choice for the Slovenian national team. He knows the guys, he knows the system, he knows what we need. He has shown that he belongs to the elite level.
“But I also have a very clear answer to all the criticisms. Jason Kidd is a bigger name, but he couldn’t control Doncic’s “madness”.
“No coach would bring about a drastic change. Luka has to be playful. He has to enjoy himself.
“If he didn’t enjoy himself, he wouldn’t be part of the national team. Why limit him and everyone else?!”
Luka Doncic now has fresh start under JJ Redick
Luka Doncic was traded away by the Dallas Mavericks to the LA Lakers at the February deadline.
It is unclear whether Jason Kidd had any input in the decision, which appeared to be led by general manager Nico Harrison.
Doncic has a fresh start working with Lakers coach JJ Redick, who he was already familiar with, having appeared together on a podcast.
Redick issued a stern warning to all Lakers players about their conditioning after the playoff elimination, and Doncic took it personally, transforming his body. He is now in the best shape of his career.
On the court Redick has shown he wants to maximize Doncic, but there is still another level that he can reach.
The first step is to get sharp with Slovenia at EuroBasket, and return for training camp better than ever.