It’s no secret that Luka Dončić has had a challenging start to the season, battling a series of injuries that have hampered his performance and availability.

To make matters worse, his lack of offseason rest has likely contributed to the string of injuries that have frustrated Mavericks fans and raised concerns about the long-term health of their Slovenian superstar.

Since the start of the season, Dončić has endured five lower-body injuries. These recurring issues are not only impacting his on-court production but could also cost him eligibility for prestigious end-of-season honors such as MVP and All-NBA teams. While individual accolades may not be Dončić’s primary focus, his playoff availability should be. The Mavericks’ aspirations of competing for an NBA championship hinge on Dončić being fully healthy and able to perform at his best when it matters most.

Last season, fans saw a less-than-healthy Dončić struggle through the playoffs, which ultimately limited the Mavericks’ potential. This season, ensuring his health must take precedence. For Dončić to lead Dallas to the NBA Finals, he needs to prioritize his conditioning and recovery now, before his injuries sideline him during the critical postseason stretch.

One persistent criticism from national media throughout Dončić’s career has been his fitness level. While some of these critiques may be exaggerated, there is validity to the notion that Dončić needs to focus on getting into peak game shape. Returning from injury in midseason form will not only reduce his risk of reinjury but also help him maintain the elite level of play that has defined his career thus far.

The Mavericks’ reliance on Dončić is glaringly evident. Despite the team’s depth in the backcourt, including talents like Kyrie Irving and Jaden Hardy, Dallas has struggled mightily without its superstar. The team’s recent spell of injuries has only compounded the issue, leaving little margin for error when Dončić is unavailable.

For the Mavericks to succeed this season, Dončić must prioritize his health and conditioning. A fully healthy Luka Dončić is one of the most unstoppable forces in the league, and his ability to stay on the court could be the difference between another playoff disappointment and a deep championship run. If Dončić can address these concerns now, he’ll be in a position to lead Dallas to new heights come postseason.