While he has long been considered a strong candidate to be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, Luka Doncic no longer appears to be a lock to even be a top-three selection, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony (Insider link). While it’s hard to know what to believe at this time of year, Givony explains to Kevin Pelton that the Kings, Hawks, and Grizzlies didn’t send anyone to watch the EuroLeague Final Four in person last week, and several NBA evaluators seem to have cooled on Doncic.
Givony believes those evaluators are overthinking matters, but admits “the skepticism is a lot more prevalent than expected.” As ESPN’s draft guru explains, some people around the league have concerns about Doncic’s athleticism – or lack thereof – and his ability to keep improving. However, Givony points to Doncic’s incredible workload over the last 18 months, along with European teams’ relative inattention to players’ diets and conditioning, as reasons why the young star may have not looked quite as impressive in recent months as he did last fall. On an NBA schedule, working with NBA coaches, those issues could be addressed.
Ultimately, Givony and Pelton both believe that Doncic is worthy of the No. 1 pick, with Givony writing that the 19-year-old is “too productive, too skilled, too smart and too good a fit in the modern game to pass up.” However, it remains to be seen how many teams at the top of the draft will agree with that assessment.
Here’s more on the 2018 NBA draft:
- UNC forward Luke Maye has decided to return to the Tar Heels for his senior year after testing the draft waters, he announced today on Instagram. Maye, who earned a spot on the All-ACC First Team and was named the conference’s Most Improved Player, averaged a double-double (16.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG) in 2017/18.
- Texas guard Kerwin Roach II has withdrawn his name from the 2018 draft and will head back to the Longhorns for his senior year, the school announced in a press release. “I’m hungry for the opportunity to make a career in the NBA, but I realize I have to improve in so many areas on the court,” Roach said in a statement. “I’m also on pace to earn my degree, and that is a big deal for me and my family.”
- After testing the draft waters without an agent, West Virginia forward Sagaba Konate will head back to school for his junior year, he confirms to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman (Twitter link).
- Sean Deveney of The Sporting News and the staff at Basketball Insiders are among those who have released new mock drafts this week.
I take Ayton and Bagley before him. Porter Jr as well if his back checks out ok.
The kid looks good, but I have the same concerns as addressed above. I think he’ll play well, just not sure he’ll be the unicorn folks are making him out to be.
I just think he’ll bust and at first I thought more cause of the team he’ll go to, but I think regardless. I’ve been wrong with Porzingis and Markannen but right with Vesely and Bender. Be interesting to see if Doncic falls or someone moves up for him.
Too early to say Markkanen is not a bust, also too early to say Bender is one. Just think back to the 2013-14 class. After two seasons, Otto Porter looked like a bust, Giannis looked like a decent player at best, and both Michael Carter Williams and Trey Burke looked like future superstars. 2 years is way too early to make any decision about the career of a draft pick.
At least Markkanen played college ball, and looked good doing so. I didn’t and don’t think he’ll be a bust, but neither do I think he’ll be a first team all-star. He’s someone who looks like he can be a Detlef Shrepmf.
If Doncic can fall all the way to 9 that would be great…
Yea that would be a good fit. He wouldn’t have to guard point on defense. On offense he could run the point with Frank playing off ball. Him and KP should be a pretty good pick and roll combo.
When it’s all said and done, Ieould be surprised if Ayton, Donuc, and Bagley III are not the first three picks in no particular order. If for whatever reason Donuc slips out of that top 3, The Grizz, Magic, and Mavs should be licking their chops with anticipation!
Some guys just don’t measure out well off the court. But you cannot discount Donic’s production against a high level of competition! I don’t doubt at all that he’ll have some issues with NBA athleticism, getting used to the USA, and customs. But that shouldn’t trump his productions.
Couldn’t agree more!
– Darko Milicic
I think you’ve used that line before!
Actually Milicic did not get much PT in Europe, and at a lower level than Doncic. Left at 18; Doncic is 19 and pushed to the top. I don’t think he will be worse on D than some other top prospects.
I have! Just having some fun with it.
I use it though to point out the over hype we occasionally see at times regarding overseas players. Milicic was a result of everyone looking for the next Nowitski. Milicic getting plucked before Anthony and a host of others is a great example of that hype and reach, and how an organization was impacted by it. While Doncic looks to be a good player, will he be able to reach that ceiling folks are forecasting by playing against better and more athletic competition? I guess only time will tell.
Devaney at SN and one of the Insiders picked Alexander for the Cavs– It could happen!
Although he also picked the Knicks to take Carter not Mikal B. Hmm. No.
He picked Doncic at #2. Sacto should do that.
Kevin Knox will do fine; I think he was thrown off by the emergence of Alexander at Kentucky, but nobody wants to admit this.