NBA News Roundup, Saturday, August 31st: Houston Rockets star signs huge contract extension, Luka Doncic eyes second-year improvement and more

#3 Luka Doncic is hard at work ahead of his second season

Luka Doncic will play a vital role for the Mavericks this season

Upon being selected third overall in last summer's draft, Luka Doncic enjoyed a stunning rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks. The Slovenian quickly established himself as one of the NBA's best young talents and is set to replace Dirk Nowitzki as the face of the franchise. Nevertheless, Doncic told Mavs.com that he is hard at work improving his game ahead of the new season:

I would say I’m faster now. So (my defense is) going to get better, for sure. Just everything. Better shots, better passes, rebounds. Everything. Just do everything better than I’m used to. I’m practicing five days a week. And the weekends, too.

During his rookie season, Doncic averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. The 20-year-old was selected unanimously to the All-Rookie First Team and went on to become just the sixth player from outside the United States to win Rookie of the Year.