The Athletic reported that last year in Dallas, Dončić faced criticism for not taking the game seriously, with habits like smoking hookah, drinking beer, and concerns about his weight.

The Athletic reported that last year in Dallas, Luka Dončić faced criticism for his off-court behavior, which raised concerns among fans and analysts. Several issues regarding his commitment to the game emerged, particularly his lifestyle choices and how they might have been affecting his performance. One of the most notable criticisms was his habit of smoking hookah, which became a frequent topic of discussion as it contrasted with the expectations placed on elite athletes. Alongside this, Dončić was often spotted enjoying casual drinking, including beer, further fueling worries about his focus on basketball.

In addition to the lifestyle habits, there were growing concerns about Dončić’s weight and fitness. His physical condition appeared to be a subject of scrutiny, as some observers felt that he wasn’t maintaining the level of conditioning expected from a superstar player in the NBA. This led to questions about his dedication to maintaining peak performance and whether he was taking his role as the face of the Dallas Mavericks seriously.

The criticisms didn’t just come from the media or fans but were also pointed out by coaches and team officials, who expressed concerns over his commitment to getting better. Dončić, known for his exceptional skills and basketball IQ, had always been able to perform at a high level despite these lifestyle choices. However, the question lingered as to whether his potential could be truly maximized if he focused more on his off-court habits.

Despite these issues, Dončić’s talent on the court remained undeniable. He was still able to put up impressive numbers and lead the Mavericks to competitive performances. His scoring, playmaking, and leadership abilities were consistently on display, and he was considered one of the best players in the league. However, the contrast between his on-court brilliance and off-court habits created a narrative that was hard to ignore.

Dončić addressed some of the concerns publicly, acknowledging that he needed to improve certain aspects of his lifestyle. His weight, in particular, became a topic he discussed openly, noting that he would work on getting into better shape to help the team achieve its goals. However, despite his acknowledgment of the issues, many remained skeptical about whether he would fully commit to changing his habits.

As the season went on, the Mavericks continued to rely heavily on Dončić’s playmaking and scoring ability. His moments of brilliance were still enough to carry the team at times, but the inconsistency in his overall performance led to ongoing discussions about his potential. The Mavericks were in a delicate position, as they needed Dončić to be at his best to contend for championships, yet his off-court habits continued to be a point of contention.

The debate surrounding Dončić’s lifestyle habits wasn’t just about smoking or drinking, but also about the broader issue of professional athletes and their responsibility to maintain peak physical and mental conditioning. In Dončić’s case, his immense natural talent had allowed him to succeed despite not always being at his best, but many questioned whether he could take the next step toward greatness by making more disciplined choices.

As the season progressed, it became clear that Dončić’s behavior would remain under close scrutiny, and any drop in his performance or fitness would only fuel further criticism. The Dallas Mavericks, along with Dončić’s fans, were hopeful that he would make the necessary adjustments to become the player many believed he could be. Ultimately, the trajectory of Dončić’s career would depend not just on his undeniable talent, but on his ability to embrace a more professional and disciplined approach to his off-court life.