'Ready For Mexico': Luka Doncic Highlights NBA's Major All-Star Game Problem

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic doesn't sound too enthused about going to Salt Lake City for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
In this story:

DENVER — After the Dallas Mavericks were defeated 118-109 by the Denver Nuggets, it marked the end of their schedule until Feb. 23, when they return from the NBA All-Star break. In the meantime, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are set to participate in the festivities as the only set of All-Star starter teammates. 

Doncic, who finished putting up 37 points, four rebounds, and nine assists, didn't sound overly enthusiastic about participating in the All-Star Game on Sunday. He was asked what he looks forward to most about playing in his fourth All-Star Game this weekend. He replied: "Sunday when I fly to Mexico."

Being selected to participate in the All-Star Game is undoubtedly an honor that shouldn't be taken for granted. However, the players and everyone involved in the event surely would favor going to a city like Miami, Los Angeles, Phoenix, or New Orleans to name a few, as opposed to Salt Lake City.

A lot of players look forward to the All-Star break to use it as a chance to reset in a destination like Mexico, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and various destinations. The role players that aren't selected to be All-Stars have no issue using the full break, but the players selected to the event, it's easy to see why there'd be lessened enthusiasm.

Next year, the All-Star Game will be held in Indianapolis and was in Cleveland last year. The enthusiasm level likely isn't going to be high if the event is being held on a non-destination city. Why not put the event in a destination city that isn't far from where most will be headed after?

Doncic is in the midst of a highly impressive season with averages of 33.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.5 steals. He recently returned a heel contusion and mentioned that he will use the All-Star break to rest and recover before the stretch run of the Mavs' remaining season. 

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Mavericks? Click Here.

Follow DallasBasketball.com on Twitter and Facebook.

Follow Grant Afseth on Twitter.


Published
Grant Afseth
GRANT AFSETH

Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for MavericksGameday.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth). You can reach Grant at grantafseth35@gmail.com.