Mavs Cited ‘Wrist Injury’ to Conceal Luka Doncic’s Conditioning Hiatus

During an episode of the “My First Million” podcast, Haralabob Voulgaris, a former executive for the Mavericks from 2018 to 2021, recounted his experiences working with the team, particularly highlighting the influence of Luka Dončić. According to Voulgaris, everyone at the Mavericks seemed intimidated by Dončić, except for him. One anecdote he shared was about Dončić’s rookie year, where the young player had a penchant for mixing lemonade with sweet tea in a thermos. Voulgaris mentioned his concern about the caloric intake from such drinks to then-owner Mark Cuban, commenting, “I know liquid calories are death.” In response, Voulgaris recalled that he was essentially advised to mind his own business. Addressing Voulgaris’s remarks, Cuban told The Athletic, “Bob has always talked a good game.” This exchange was reported by the New York Times on February 17, 2025.