Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle says Mavs star Luka Doncic will not play in the 2019 Summer League.
Doncic didn't play in the 2018 Summer League either since he had just finished up the EuroLeague playoffs. The Mavs didn't want to wear down Doncic.
Carlisle said Luka and Brunson wil not play summer league ball in Vegas this summer.
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) April 11, 2019
Doncic just finished a stellar rookie season for the Mavs. He is widely expected to win the Rookie of the Year award.
In 72 games this season, Doncic averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest. The 20-year-old shot 42.7 percent from the field, 32.7 percent from beyond the arc and 71.3 percent from the free-throw line.
Article Continues BelowDoncic recorded 24 double-doubles and eight triple-doubles. The Mavs were 28-44 with Luka in the lineup. Dallas finished the season at 33-49, 14th place in the Western Conference standings.
Doncic doesn't need to play in the Summer League. He has already shown he's going to be an All-Star in the NBA. It should be beneficial for Doncic to get some rest this season and prepare his body for his second year in the league with the Mavs.
The Mavs will have the services of Kristaps Porzingis next season. Dallas is hoping Porzingis and Doncic can lead the franchise back to the playoffs.
Dallas hasn't made the postseason since 2016.