People within the Mavs organization feared that Luka Dončić could end up like Joel Embiid due to poor conditioning, per @ChrisFedor

The FitnessGram Pacer Test (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) is a widely recognized fitness assessment designed to evaluate an individual's aerobic capacity, endurance, and overall cardiovascular fitness. It is part of the FitnessGram, a comprehensive physical fitness assessment program that was developed by the Cooper Institute and is widely used in schools across the United States and in many other countries. The primary goal of the test is to measure how efficiently the cardiovascular system can deliver oxygen to the muscles during prolonged physical activity, which is a key indicator of overall health and fitness. The Pacer Test is unique in its progressive nature, meaning that it gradually becomes more difficult as the test progresses. It is a multistage test, starting with a relatively slow pace, but as participants continue, the intervals between beeps decrease, causing the required running speed to increase. This progressive difficulty ensures that the test challenges participants of all fitness levels and provides a reliable measure of their endurance. The test is considered one of the most effective ways to assess cardiovascular endurance in a school setting, where large groups of students can be tested at once. To begin the Pacer Test, participants line up at one end of a 20-meter course, which is typically marked by cones. The test is conducted in a straight line, with participants required to run back and forth between the cones. The test is paced by a series of beeps that occur at regular intervals. Initially, the beeps are spaced several seconds apart, allowing participants to run at a comfortable pace. However, as the test progresses, the beeps get closer together, forcing participants to increase their speed to maintain the required pace. The test starts with participants running to one end of the course before the beep sounds and then turning around to return to the starting line. Each successful lap is counted as one point, and participants must continue running until they fail to reach the opposite cone before the beep sounds on multiple occasions. If a participant misses the line twice in a row or cannot maintain the pace, they are eliminated from the test. The number of laps completed determines the participant's score, and this score is compared to age and gender-specific standards to assess cardiovascular fitness. One of the defining features of the Pacer Test is its progressive nature. The test's design ensures that participants are constantly challenged to push their limits, as the time between beeps shortens as the test continues. This approach allows the test to evaluate a participant's endurance over a prolonged period, rather than just at a single point in time. The increasing difficulty also makes the test suitable for individuals with varying fitness levels, as the test adapts to each person’s capabilities. For many students, the Pacer Test is often remembered as one of the most challenging parts of the FitnessGram assessment. It is particularly notorious for its ability to push participants to their physical limits. As the beeps get closer together and the running speed increases, many participants find it difficult to keep pace, especially in the later stages of the test. This can make it a physically demanding and sometimes daunting experience, but it is also highly motivating, as participants often push themselves to continue running longer than they initially thought possible. The test is not only an assessment tool but also a motivational challenge. It encourages students to focus on their endurance and push themselves to improve their cardiovascular health. Teachers often use the results to help students set fitness goals and track their progress over time. For some, the Pacer Test serves as an opportunity to reflect on their current fitness levels and take steps to improve them, while for others, it may offer a sense of accomplishment as they meet or exceed their previous performance. In terms of reliability, the Pacer Test has been widely accepted as an accurate measure of cardiovascular fitness. Studies have shown that the test provides a consistent and valid assessment of aerobic capacity, which is crucial for evaluating overall physical health. It has been incorporated into numerous fitness programs and has been used in both educational and research settings to assess physical endurance. As a result, it is considered a gold standard for measuring cardiovascular endurance in young people. The FitnessGram Pacer Test is also a useful tool for promoting physical education programs in schools. By making the test part of the regular curriculum, educators can emphasize the importance of physical activity and help students understand the benefits of cardiovascular exercise. Additionally, the results from the test can be used to identify students who may need additional support in improving their fitness, encouraging targeted interventions that help increase physical activity levels in a positive, supportive environment. However, like any fitness assessment, the Pacer Test does have limitations. It relies solely on running speed and endurance and may not capture other important aspects of fitness, such as muscular strength, flexibility, or coordination. Additionally, some students may feel self-conscious or anxious about the test, particularly if they are unable to perform at the level of their peers. To address these concerns, many schools incorporate additional fitness activities alongside the Pacer Test to provide a more comprehensive assessment of physical fitness and ensure that all students feel supported in their fitness journey. In conclusion, the FitnessGram Pacer Test is a widely used and effective tool for assessing cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness in young people. Through its progressive structure, it challenges participants to improve their stamina and provides a clear measure of physical capacity. While it may be demanding for some, it offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to set fitness goals, track their progress, and understand the importance of cardiovascular health. Despite its challenges, the Pacer Test remains a cornerstone of physical education programs and continues to inspire students to improve their physical fitness.