Marko Milić has embraced a new chapter in Slovenian basketball, but the door to the NBA hasn’t fully closed. After spending nearly three years as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks, Milić has returned home to focus on developing Slovenia’s next generation of talent.
He now holds a pivotal role with the Basketball Association of Slovenia, tasked with guiding young prospects and supporting the national team as they prepare for international competition. Despite this shift, Milić remains open to opportunities in the NBA, acknowledging that his coaching journey is far from over.
Marko Milić Reflects on Dallas Mavericks Exit and Luka Dončić Trade
Speaking to Ekipa24, Milić addressed his departure from the Dallas Mavericks and the lack of NBA coaching offers following Luka Dončić’s blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“For me, the best years were the ones that Luka and I spent in Dallas,” Milić told Ekipa24. “He was the league’s top scorer, he led the team to the finals, so it was a privilege and a joy to be his coach there. When a story ends, you always need some time to get over it all, but now my head is already with the national team.”
Despite his established relationship with Dončić and a proven track record of player development, Milić revealed that he did not receive serious coaching interest from the Lakers during the offseason.
“Coaches don’t change during the year, as they all already have their professional staffs in place. But there was no real interest from them in the summer,” Milić told Ekipa24.
Focused on Slovenia, But Open to NBA Return
At 48, Milić isn’t shutting the door on a future NBA return but is focused on his current role overseeing youth development at the Basketball Association of Slovenia. Still, he recognizes that opportunities in the NBA can arise unexpectedly.
“You never know, even before I thought that at this age the door would open for me in the USA and that I would be able to work with Dončić, the best player in the world,” Milić told Ekipa24. “But now I am focused on helping the national team, helping young people. We will see what the future brings.”
While his immediate attention is on Slovenia’s upcoming EuroBasket campaign, Milić remains open-minded about what lies ahead, leaving space for potential NBA opportunities should the right situation arise.