NBA
Luka Dončić Is A Special Player With A lot Of Potential
Born in Ljubljana, Slovenia to a family of athletes, it was inevitable for the 19-year old. Luka Dončić has basketball genes from his father Saša Dončić’s side. His father was a former basketball player in the Slovenian basketball league currently coaches the KD Ilirija.
The former Real Madrid basketball player is a player that can do it all. Standing at 6’8, the Slovenian could play at any position. Dončić is a gifted passer that can play the guard position and score the basket. He can also play the small forward and power forward position due to his size and defense.
The Kid From Slovenia Has Been Killing It
Dončić in the EuroLeague averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Slovenian played in 33 games in the EuroLeague with Slovenia but only started 17 of them. Short playing time didn’t stop him from winning EuroLeague Final Four MVP and EuroLeague MVP.
As a result, Slovenia went on to win the Euroleague title with Dončić as their most productive player. His success doesn’t stop at the international level. The Slovenian was named Liga ACB MVP, All-Liga ACB Team and ACB Best Young Player just this past May.
How did Real Madrid do? They won their third Spanish Liga ACB championship in four years. Dončić proves he’s a winner and his accolades reflect that. Generally speaking, a player that has championship pedigree and outstanding versatility can fit in any team in the NBA. Whenever he’s needed, he comes through.
Does Dončić Have Any Flaws? None That Can’t Be Fixed
One of the biggest knocks on Dončić is his inability to keep up with quick players during games. It’s not strange to see players struggle with the speed of NBA guards. Dončić is a young player that’s only getting better. He might have speed bumps, but he has what it takes to adapt in the NBA.
His intangibles and high basketball IQ is what separates him from the rest of the prospects in this NBA Draft. Some compare his basketball IQ to the one of San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili. He knows he’s only getting better and knows his strengths and weaknesses. Dončić can get the hang of it quick for example like New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis.
Both players know what it’s like to be doubted. The doubt comes from the lack of experience playing basketball in America. The players both share European background and made names for themselves playing Euro ball.
His Versatility Is Something You Might Have Seen Before
The player that Luka Dončić compared himself to is Philadelphia 76ers’, Ben Simmons. ESPN’s Mina Kimes wrote an excellent piece on Dončić. He wanted fans to know he is not Darko Miličić.
In summary, Dončić compared Simmons’ game to his in Kimes’ article, and it’s one that makes a lot of sense. Although one thing Dončić might have forgotten one thing is Simmons’ inability to shoot the ball. Instead, he will have the opportunity to be Simmons and more.
I went to Spain and wrote about Luka Doncic, the Slovenian teen who could go #1 in the NBA draft. If you haven't heard of him yet, you will soon: https://t.co/KTrODxcnxT
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 9, 2018
The Atlanta Hawks Trade Dončić To The Dallas Mavericks
Dončić’s role with the Mavericks is to eventually become the focal point of the team. He will be the one that will take over this team after Dirk Nowitzki hangs his jersey. Therefore, expect him to take it slow and be tutored by one of the best European players of all time.
It’s been tough for Mavericks fans lately. The Mavericks have missed the playoffs for two seasons in a row and haven’t passed the first round since their 2011 NBA championship season.
But the future is bright for Dallas. Trading for Dončić means the Mavericks could have their franchise player of the future. With the retirement of Nowitzki looming, it’s the perfect time to acquire his successor.
Can Dončić replicate the success that Nowitzki enjoyed in the NBA? It’s too early to tell. He does have the tools to prosper for sure.
.
