Slovenian basketball icon Marko Milic believes the NBA continues to misunderstand Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic’s greatness.
In comments shared by Svet24, Milic dismissed the idea that athleticism should define basketball success. He argued that Doncic and Jokic dominate the league through intelligence, technical mastery, and mental resilience—despite not fitting the typical American athletic mold.
“They don’t reach physical and athletic standards,” Milic said, via HoopsHype. “But they are the best players in the world.”
Doncic, 26, enters the 2025–26 NBA season following a rigorous offseason transformation. The Los Angeles Lakers star trained primarily in Croatia and Spain with a strict nutritional regimen and a focus on long-term performance and recovery.
He eliminated gluten, reduced sugar intake, and implemented intermittent fasting while consuming 250 grams of protein daily. His two-a-day workouts included strength and agility drills tailored to his game’s foundation—deceleration, balance, and control.
Milic’s comments highlight the ongoing tension between traditional NBA evaluations and the unconventional paths taken by European stars.
Jokic, the 2023 Finals MVP and three-time league MVP, has faced similar criticism throughout his career, often centered on his physique rather than his unmatched court vision and decision-making.
Doncic’s career arc mirrors that narrative. Despite criticisms of his conditioning in earlier years, he has led the league in scoring and was named to five All-NBA First Teams by age 25.
“They are players who dominate mentally, technically and tactically with a smile,” Milic said, noting that U.S. media continues to scrutinize Doncic even after his physical transformation.
In May, Doncic took a month-long break from basketball, focusing on recovery through activities like padel and pickleball to maintain mobility without overloading his joints.
