Whether responsible for it occurring or not, Luka Doncic teaming up with Kyrie Irving significantly hurt his image and likability in the NBA. However, today Luka separated himself from Irving as a real standup guy who wants to do good in the world.
After yesterday’s tragic school shooting in Belgrade, Serbia that saw a 13-year-old gunman fatally shoot eight classmates and a security guard, Doncic has pledged to cover all funeral costs and even pay for grief counseling for any student or staff of Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School.
In what some are calling “the good-guy move of the year,” Luka is doling out potentially millions of dollars to help provide both short and long term assistance to those affected by this tragedy. The craziest part of this whole situation: Luka is from Slovenia not Serbia.
I for one expected to see this kind of thing from native Serbian and should-have-been MVP Nikola Jokic, but to see someone from outside the country make an impact is even more special. Despite growing up in Slovenia, Luka’s father is actually Serbian and he actually still has many family members there such as his grandmother as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.
When announcing his plans to help those affected by the shooting, Luka said “I am heartbroken by the tragic school shooting in Serbia and the loss of lives, including those of innocent school children. Through my foundation, I am exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support the students, faculty, and families affected by the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School. I am committed and I will continue to share updates and ways to support as details become available.”
Luka has suggested that he is trying to get other balkan NBA players to pitch in and help however they can. One would assume Jokic and Miami Heat rookie knockoff Nikola Jovic to also raise some money.
So while the Maverick’s season didn’t end the way anyone had hoped or planned, it seems that Luka Magic may still be alive, even if it’s through the things he is doing off the court.
