Damian Lillard and Luka Doncic are concerned about the pressures on young NBA players, saying the burden of expectations on them is problematic and can lead to unnecessary challenges in their early careers.
NBA stars Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard may be from different teams, but they are both concerned about how pressure on young athletes strips away the joy of playing basketball. Doncic, Dallas Mavericks’ standout guard, started to address this concern by launching the Luka Doncic Foundation, It is on a mission to create a positive environment for kids to rediscover the fun in basketball. This foundation has created a Youth Sports Council made of a group of basketball legends and current stars, including Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Steve Nash, Steph Curry, Sabrina Ionescu, Igor Kokoskov, and NBA agent Bill Duffy.
Damian Lillard, who is now playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, understands and supports Doncic’s efforts, for he has also addressed the issue through an initiative called Formula Zero, a basketball camp launched in 2022. This camp helps young players grow on and off the court, and it also addresses the worrying concerns that young athletes prioritize personal glory over team success.
Both athletes are taking meaningful initiatives to shift back the perspective of young athletes to what matters most – teamwork and the joy of playing the game.
Source: Times of India