Luka Doncic is a combo guard who has been playing overseas on Real Madrid for the past couple of years. Doncic is considered one of the best international players ever which is very high praise. Doncic is only 19 years old but already has accomplished so much in what is considered the second best league in the world behind the National Basketball Association.
Luka made his debut on the international stage when he was just 16 years old and was named the youngest Euroleague MVP and Euroleague Finals MVP at just 18 years old. Doncic played for the national team of Slovenian and impressed everyone at the age of 17. Luka could be the best international player of his generation when its all said and done. If Doncic puts in the work at the next level hes going to be a superstar in this league.
Luka Doncic Potential Fits :
1 : Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies had a disappointing season last year which was lead by injuries. With Mike Conley going down for the year and Marc Gasol missing some time with injuries hurt the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies have the 4th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Although their have been some rumors swirling about the Grizzlies trading their pick for a veteran player. Luka Doncic is one of the youngest prospects in this draft but he may be the one whose most ready to come in and start from day 1. Luka has been playing overseas for the past couple years and is said to be one of the best foerign players ever. The Grizzlies have the core to their team back next season in Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Tyreke Evans, Dillon Brooks, and Chandler Parsons.
Luka Doncic would be an excellent fit in the shooting guard position next to Mike Conley. Doncic is considered a combo guard who is a great well rounded prospect. Doncic has been on the biggest stages overseas with winning a championship and the MVP in the past season. He is a above average shooter, great passer, great teammate, and has a very high basketball IQ. Doncic could round out the starting lineup in Memphis with Mike Conley, Tyreke Evans, JaMychal Green, and Marc Gasol. Luka would also take some pressure off of Conley with his ability to run a team and defend either guard position. The Memphis Grizzlies are going to look to make it back to the playoffs next season and adding Luka Doncic to this team could make that possible.
2 : Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are in the begining stages of a rebuild after losing their starting 5 in the past 3 seasons. The Hawks parted with head coach Mike Budenholzer this offseason and are going in a different direction. The Hawks hired Lloyd Pierce who was an assistant coach in Philadelphia when they went through their rebuild. Atlanta has a tough decision to make on their point guard Dennis Schroder and forward Kent Bazmore this offseason. If the Hawks decide to go a different way with Schroder and trade him then Luka Doncic could be an intruging fit in Atlanta.
Luka could come in and start at point guard from day 1 while gaining chemistry with the young players who are expected to stay in John Collins and Taurean Prince. The Hawks could try to build around those 3 young players as a start for their future. This would give the Luka some time to learn the NBA style and system as well as learn the coaching staff and what they expect from him. Giving the rebuild 2 – 3 years would do wonders for Luka who is only 19 years old. The Atlanta Hawks could wind up with their franchise player who could also attract free agents to Atlanta.
3 : Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are in the middle of a rebuild but have some very nice young pieces to build around. Last year they drafted De’Aaron Fox, Harry Giles, Frank Mason, and Justin Jackson which got them a high draft grade. The Kings also traded DeMarcus Cousins 2 seasons ago and acquired Buddy Hield from the Pelicans. De’Aaron Fox is projected to be the point gaurd of the future for the Kings but adding Luka Doncic as his backcourt mate could be dynamic.
The would have two guys who can push the ball in transition. They both could also play either guard position. Skills wise, they would have above average defensie skills, and are lethal on the offensive end. Doncic and Fox could grow together and gain chemistry in the next couple of years. This will give the Kings time to look to add a superstar. Luka Doncic would have a point guard who he could thrive with. This could be the next great backcourt in the league. The Sacramento Kings could have the steal of the draft in Doncic. The experts have him as the top player in the draft.
4 : Orlando Magic (Wild Card)
The Orlando Magic have the sixth pick in the NBA Draft and have been searching for their franchise point guard for a couple years. Nobody thinks that Luka will fall this far down in the draft but if he ends up at Orlando’s pick. The Magic could land a star that they didn’t think would be on the board at six. Orlando’s at a crossroads with trying to contend and blowing it up to rebuild. Aaron Gordon is a free agent this summer and odds are that he may go elsewhere. Although, the Magic can match any offer he signs.
The Magic have some nice pieces in Johnathon Simmons, Evan Fournier, Johnathon Isaac, Mario Hezonja (free agent), Terrence Ross, and Nikola Vucevic. The Magic could look to unload some salary this offseason to go after a superstar. Luka Doncic could be the point guard that the Magic have been looking for to pair with some of their young guys and make a push in the Eastern Conference.
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