Mavericks fans may want to reconsider their social media habits; Luka Doncic has taken to Instagram, flaunting his impressive "revenge bod" that has captured attention across the basketball community.
Now featured on the cover of Men's Health, Doncic appears poised to dominate the upcoming season, showcasing a physique that suggests he is in peak condition.
"Don't text your ex," he quips, a playful nod to the transformative power of self-improvement.
For many fans, resisting the urge to reach out might be challenging after seeing Doncic's latest photos. The former Mavericks star seems to have undergone a significant physical transformation, one that could redefine his performance on the court.
Ebenezer Samuel, fitness director at Men's Health and co-author of the article detailing Doncic's journey, remarked, "He’s a prime example of what it means to be fit. This offseason, he really changed his body." Samuel elaborated on Doncic's training regimen, which included alternating upper and lower body exercises followed by on-court drills, a method both he and co-writer Andrew Heffernan endorse.
Michael Hill, who leads Above the Rest basketball coaching program and has played professionally, emphasized the importance of conditioning in basketball. "Basketball requires constant movement; you can’t afford to be out of shape," he stated. Yet, he expressed skepticism about Doncic's previous fitness levels.
"It’s hard to believe he wasn’t in shape before," Hill noted. "He looks different now, but his skills make it hard to argue he was ever unfit." This sentiment echoes a broader debate within sports media.
Podcast host Ryen Russillo once humorously suggested that even if Doncic had been less than disciplined, his talent would still warrant a lucrative contract. "He could have been smoking cigarettes while bringing the ball up the court, and I’d still want to sign him to a super max," Russillo joked during a discussion about Doncic's potential trade.
Regardless of past perceptions, the images from Men's Health suggest Doncic is ready to elevate his game further, drawing inspiration from basketball legends.
Samuel pointed out that Dirk Nowitzki has been a significant influence on Doncic, alongside icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant—athletes renowned for their rigorous conditioning. "LeBron James likely played a role too," Samuel added.
With such formidable influences, Doncic's transformation could spell trouble for opponents this season. "Luka is on what the kids call 'demon time.' It’s a daunting prospect for the league," Hill concluded.
As the season approaches, fans might consider blocking Doncic and the Lakers from their feeds—this could be a year to remember.
