Luka Doncic ‘not in the best shape,’ according to trainer

It’s been four months since the NBA suspended its 2019-20 season. Now, games are scheduled to resume at the end of July. With training camp looming, Dallas Mavericks Star Luka Doncic’s conditioning isn’t where it needs to be, according to his trainer.

“He is not in the best shape, which is normal,” Jure Drasklar said, as reported by the Dallas Morning News. “NBA games will not be played before the end of July, so there is enough time to help him recover and get ready. … However, he undoubtedly would be ready to play right now.”

Soon after players could leave their home markets once the season was put on hold, Doncic returned home to his native Slovenia. He’s been quarantining there ever since.

In the last three weeks, as the NBA moved toward resuming its season, Doncic began a physical training regimen to prepare himself to return to action, Drasklar says. He’s also been sticking to a strict diet.

“Doncic practically does not eat anything except what we cook for him,” Drasklar said.

Players overseas must return to their home markets by June 15. It’s expected that all 22 teams that will take part in the remainder of the season will hold a training camp of sorts at their practice facilities prior to leaving for Orlando, Florida. They’ll arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort July 7.

That gives the teams approximately three weeks to continue their training camps and get players back in shape. The first games of the remaining eight-game regular season schedule begin July 31.

Once he’s back stateside, Drasklar says that he expects Doncic’s conditioning to improve when he has a chance to start working with his teammates again.