Slovenian guard/forward Luka Doncic is a candidate to be the top pick in the 2018 NBA draft, but his commitment to Real Madrid in Spain will prevent him from working out for any NBA teams leading up to the draft, agent Bill Duffy tells Sean Deveney of The Sporting News.
“I don’t think that will be an issue,” Duffy said. “Playing in the Euroleague speaks for itself. What he has been able to do, it speaks to both the talent and preparedness for Luka. He has had a different level of experience than most of his peers. Euroleague is the next step to playing in the NBA.”
As Deveney outlines, Doncic’s Real Madrid squad is scheduled to compete in the Euroleague Final Four later this month, then will play in the Spanish League (ACB) postseason after that. The ACB playoffs are scheduled to begin on May 27, and could end as late as June 23, two days after the NBA draft. According to Duffy, there’s no chance that Doncic will miss any postseason games with his current team.
“He is committed to Real Madrid, all the way through,” Duffy said.
While NBA teams picking in the top five would prefer the chance to meet with Doncic and work him out individually, scouting him in the Euroleague Final Four and the ACB postseason will be a great opportunity for talent evaluators to see how he performs against some of the highest-level competition in Europe.
“With the video we have these days, I know what I need to know from looking at (Doncic) against other top players,” one NBA general manager told Deveney. “Anyone who wants to pick him is going to want to talk to him, but the workout is not something that is going to keep you from picking him. I am not sure I need reels and reels more tape here.”
In his most recent mock draft at ESPN.com, Jonathan Givony has Doncic coming off the board second overall to the Grizzlies.
Yea I wouldn’t expose myself either. 70-30 hes a complete bust.
Exactly !!!
Not quite a bust, floor is too high, however his ceiling could be in the Tyreke Evans mold
So he’d be exposing himself in a practice setting- shooting open 3s and driving to the basket with no defenders on the court?
Many times they work out with other players other fellow draft prospects. 2 on 2 3 on 3. Plus they watch him jump test his speed gauge athleticism Etc. Major exposure.
He doesn’t have a lot of athleticism. He looks slow.
I guess that means he shouldn’t join the 100m dash team for the Olympics. But since basketball is more than just running fast, not a huge problem.
No, he just has to guard 2s or 3s that will blow past him and lock him down defensively. Speed matters in the NBA.
I did not know that was possible.
He is heading to Phoenix along with his coach.
Kokoskov to the Suns. I got 50% already.
Oh my goodness, second to the Grizzlies? What a waste of a top-10 pick. But I guess it shouldn’t surprise me either Memphis or Sacramento will take him way too early.
Who do I like? Bridges from Villanova.
Mikal is a fine wing. 3 years older than Luka.
Luka is the better prospect and it’s not even close dude. Amazing what people on message boards think they know… Always assuming someone who outside the US is gonna be a bust. This kid will be special.
Watch his tape on youtube just like the GMs are doing… hes going to be a bust.
Okay sure, but you’re going to pick him number 2 if you’re Memphis?
HUGE red flag. No way I would draft him now.
I don’t see how this hurts him or is a “HUGE!red flag.” He is committed to his team and teammates. He is dedicated to seeing something that he started through to the finish. That shows quality character to me. He is a unique talent and like the GM said, they know his game. He doesn’t need to come over a shoot some jumpers and run some sprints, they can watch him compete instead..
He is almost shooting a set shot. He has no lift on his jumper. He’s listed as 6-6, 6-7, or 6-8. So he’s probably 6-5. Which will work against the jokers he’s playing against now, not against NBA talent.
Not a red flag. He has to play for the team paying him. However, I do believe he has major bust potential.
Doncic should thrive in a wide open offense. But it’s a little chicken to not do any NBA
workouts. I have to mark him down for a team expecting wins. Thats okay he is young still, despite his experience.