A summertime recuperation could result in Luka Doncic being at his best, according to Mavericks’ Nico Harrison. Sean Sweeney’s chances of being hired as an NBA head coach were also raised by the Mavericks general manager. Gen. manager Nico Harrison spoke with the NBA TV broadcast team about the 2024–25 season while the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz opened Summer League action on Saturday night. The topic of Luka Doncic’s potential summer job after Slovenia’s elimination from the Olympics was one of the most outstanding ones. Harrison called the circumstance a “double-edged sword,” knowing full well how much Doncic enjoys representing his nation.
Harrison believes Doncic can benefit from winding down and getting some rest. The Mavs star notably battled a series of injuries throughout the team’s NBA Finals run.
“I think the big thing is get healthy because he’s been playing so much basketball with us, with his national team, just really heal up and get healthy,” Harrison said. “I think that’s going to help him out a lot. Then [he’ll] start the season out being fresh, in shape and fresh. I think he learned a lot from what we went through, so I expect him to be his best version next year.”
Despite the injuries, Doncic was still firmly in the running for the NBA’s MVP award last season. He closed out the regular season averaging a near triple-double with 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists.
After he was asked about the Mavericks’ acquisition of Klay Thompson, Harrison praised the veteran’s championship mentality and how much it’ll benefit the roster moving forward. Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney, who was in the running for Detroit’s head coaching gig, also became a talking point during the short interview.
Harrison credited Sweeney for his work in strengthening Dallas’ defense following some midseason trades earlier this year. Harrison said it’s time for Sweeney to get serious head coaching consideration.
“I’m telling you, he needs one, for real,” Harrison said. “We don’t want to lose him, but it’s about people and you want people to grow. He’s ready. He’s really ready.”
