Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is four technical fouls shy from being suspended for a game, at least based on the NBA’s rules. It’s something to keep an eye on, especially now that the Mavs are pushing their way up the Western Conference standings

As far as head coach Rick Carlisle is concerned though, he isn't sweating so much about the situation of the Mavs star.

“He’s aware, and my level of concern is there,” Carlisle said, per Dwain Price of Mavs.com. “But look, he’s an emotional competitor. It all comes from the right place, and he’s smart.”

The Mavs still have 21 games to play this season, and it’s clear that they need Luka Doncic in their roster–especially if their main goal is to climb the standings. Doncic is their main ball handler, scorer and basically their floor general on the court. Without him, Dallas' chances of winning any game is close to none.

For what it's worth, Carlisle sounded optimistic about the consequence.

“He knows where the (technical foul) count is, and if he’s going to get his 16th he’ll get it in a situation where it’s time for a night of rest anyway. I’m not really that worried about it,” the Mavs coach added. 

Doncic is indeed an emotional competitor on the court, but that just shows how much he cares and wants to win. The NBA has given a ton of technical fouls to a number of players as well, specifically Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard (13), Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (11) and Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (11).