Former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson has officially joined Slovenia’s national basketball team as a special adviser.
The move reunites Nelson with Lakers star Luka Doncic, who remains the focal point of Slovenia’s roster heading into EuroBasket 2025.
Nelson’s appointment brings decades of international basketball experience to Slovenia, including previous work with Lithuania’s national team.
He served as general manager of the Mavericks from 2005 to 2021, where he played a central role in drafting Doncic and shaping the franchise’s European scouting strategy.
His ties to Slovenian basketball go back to Doncic’s NBA arrival, and the two maintained a strong relationship throughout their time together in Dallas.
Slovenia has made a clear effort to strengthen its infrastructure ahead of the summer tournament.
Earlier this month, Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean was added to the national team’s coaching staff.
St. Jean, 35, worked with Doncic during their shared stint in Dallas and is expected to assist head coach Aleksander Sekulic during EuroBasket 2025.
Slovenia will begin group-stage play in Katowice, Poland, on August 27, before advancing to the knockout rounds in Riga, Latvia.
Doncic, 26, is set to anchor the squad following a strong NBA season split between Dallas and Los Angeles.
He averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists across 50 regular-season appearances.
