Bill Simmons would like to introduce Luka Doncic to a salad

Luka Dončić might be the NBA’s best player, and for that, he gets compared to the Pillsbury Doughboy and urged to try a salad.

Bill Simmons is the latest sports media personality to chide Dončić for his figure. Coming off the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 1 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Simmons noted Dončić is “really doughy in person.” It was the second time this season that a prominent media member referred to Dončić’s doughy figure, with Keyshawn Johnson previously comparing the perennial NBA All-Star to the “Pillsbury Doughboy.”

“I was kinda shocked,” Simmons added, seemingly unaware of Keyshawn’s past assessment. “I was surprised, he didn’t seem totally in shape to me. Maybe this is who he’s been all year, I just haven’t seen him in person in a few months.”

He’s certainly no LeBron James in terms of physical prowess, but Dončić’s figure has at least allowed him to average 44 minutes per game in Dallas’s playoff series with the Clippers. Give him credit for that.

The Mavericks bounced back to win Game 2 Tuesday night, led by Dončić who played 46 minutes, scored 32 points, and helped shut the Clippers down with a commendable defensive effort. So, how did Simmons respond to Dončić playing 46 minutes and having arguably his best defensive performance of the season in a pivotal win?

Bill Simmons with some next level hating on his latest podcast, which he recorded right after the Clippers game: He said Luka “looked a bit out of shape”, and should try to “eat more salads, and drink less sweet tea and beer.”

Luka had the best 2-way performance of his career. pic.twitter.com/As6bey1Rq0

— SLO HOOPS FAN 🇸🇮 (@SloHoopsFan) April 24, 2024

“I wish he was in better shape,” Simmons said on his Wednesday morning podcast. “I’d like to introduce him to a couple salads and maybe some sparkling water and some fruit.”

“Sparkling water?” Kevin O’Connor asked with some confusion.

“Well, instead of soda!” Simmons insisted as he continued to call out Dončić’s drinking and eating habits. “Or the teas. What does he drink? The sweet teas?”

Dončić’s weight has been an issue during his career, with the Mavericks even asking the 25-year-old to shed some pounds at times. So, there probably have been times when it’s fair to question whether he’s in the best physical condition. But doing so after a playoff win that saw Dončić play 46 minutes and great two-way basketball probably isn’t the time.

[The Bill Simmons Podcast]