Mavs' Luka Doncic Draws Bold Usain Bolt Comparison: 'Basketball Not an Individual Sport'

As Luka Doncic gears up to compete with Slovenia in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the team's chances to win were given a bold comparison to Usain Bolt.

DALLAS — Luka Doncic has grown accustomed to leading teams while shouldering a substantial individual responsibility. He's done it throughout his time with the Dallas Mavericks and has especially done so when representing Slovenia during international play. 

The outlook for Doncic to win a championship has naturally come into focus in commentary by many early on in his impressive basketball career. Recently, in an interview with Martin Pavcnik of SportKlub, Chinese national team head coach Sasa Djordjevic compared Doncic's efforts attempting to win with Slovenia to legendary sprinter Usain Bolt.

"Basketball is not an individual sport," Djordjevic said. "Luka Doncic is not Usain Bolt, with all respect. Everyone needs the power of a team to achieve the results they deserve and are happiest with. None of us would win medals if we didn't have fantastic people by our side. These are primarily teammates and coaches.

"Luka Doncic is a megastar, and he is becoming a world star," Djordjevic explained. "He is still young and has immense talent. I congratulate him on everything he has achieved and wish him much success on his further journey. Luka is unique, but he will face new challenges and goals."

With a limited supported cast, it will naturally be challenging for Doncic to achieve ultimate success with Slovenia when representing his country. He doesn't have the luxury of playing for a stacked national team roster loaded with NBA players. 

With Goran Dragic no longer playing for Slovenia and having been out of his prime when competing with Doncic, the only NBA player that will be competing alongside Doncic is Vlatko Cancar. The 6-foot-8 forward has averaged 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in his four-year career with the Denver Nuggets. 

Doncic, who is stepping into a captain role with Slovenia, is motivated to lead his national team to success after a disappointing season with the Dallas Mavericks — featuring a 38-44 finish and failure to qualify for the play-in tournament. Last year, Slovenia also disappointed in EuroBasket, but the outlook is refreshed. 

"The goal is always same — to win the championship," Doncic said. "Of course, this is a wish, but what actually happens in the competition is another matter. I am very motivated myself, and I was additionally motivated by the failure of my team in the NBA and the failure of Slovenia last year. 

"But you always look forward," Doncic explained. "We don't care what happened last year."

Prior to competing against Group F in Okinawa, Japan, there will be preparation games involving Slovenia against various matchups, including Greece, Montenegro, Spain, USA, and Japan. When competing against Group F, scheduled opponents include Venezuela, Georgia, and Cape Verde.

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Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.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).

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