The Dallas Mavericks will not prohibit Luka Doncic from participating in the NBA All-Star Game if his ankle feels healthy enough to play. Doncic has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Utah Jazz, but Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle said the team would have no issue with Doncic's desire to partake in the festivities “if that's how the timing of his recovery works out,” per Tim MacMahon of ESPN:
Carlisle also said on his weekly @1033fmESPN appearance that the Mavs would have no issue with Luka Doncic returning from his right ankle sprain in the All-Star Game if that’s how the timing of his recovery works out. https://t.co/xcw1HqmL3S
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 9, 2020
Monday night will mark Doncic's seventh consecutive absence from the lineup as he continues to recover from a sprained right ankle suffered during a practice at the end of January. The Mavs are being especially cautious with his health given he suffered the same injury earlier in the season.
Doncic was voted in as one of the starter's in the Western Conference backcourt, and LeBron James selected him with his second pick during the All-Star Draft this past Thursday.
There is typically a bit of anxiety about injury and overall usage during exhibitions. The same can be said in the MLB, where managers often have to consider whether to rest starting pitchers ahead of the All-Star break. However, the Mavericks will give Doncic the green light if he feels like he is able to go next weekend.
Doncic has been tremendous in his second season, averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists through his first 43 games while also leading the league in offensive box plus-minus and ranking third in value over replacement player, according to Basketball Reference.
Doncic's status will be something to monitor over the course of this week.
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