HALLELUKA: Luka Clinches All-NBA 1st team. 4th in 5 years

[Chicagojk]

I am sure this has been discussed, but I think Luka's summer could also be the main reason for his slow-ish start.   Not coming into peak shape and the lingering injuries play a part as well.  But I think some of that ties to the summer as well.  

Last NBA season and the Clipper playoff series was draining for everyone...especially Luka.  It was only one playoff series but that was a tough series.   Right after that, Luka goes to play for his country.   Even though the playoffs were draining, playing for his country was probably multiple times harder for Luka.  He said numerous times that winning gold for his country was a goal since he was a kid.  They had a magic run and I am sure this was fun for him, but he probably didn't get hit with exhaustion until it was over.  To get so close and have the world watching only to lose your final two games in heartbreaking fashion and not leave with a medal has to be exhausting.  I am sure that whole process takes a lot of wind out of your sails.  You are incredibly proud of everything but there needs to be a part of you that thinks, I laid my heart out on the court for a month or two and at the end we don't even earn a medal.  

After all that, I am sure it is tough to come into camp ready to go.   I could see how things would snowball a little.   Not an excuse either.  I think we all hope that Luka gains wisdom of maxing out his career as he gets older.

I really hope this break has allowed him to recharge a little   Hopefully he hasn't had symptoms either and has been able to try to get his body right.