2018 NBA Mock Draft: Who’s moving at the top?

In a mock draft Wednesday, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that as shocking as it may seem, it’s looking more like Doncic could fall as far as No. 4 this June. I still find it hard to believe, though, that Sacramento ignores Doncic’s talent and fit, as well as his connection with fellow Serbians Vlade Divac and Bogdan Bogdanovic in the Kings’ organization.

Again, Givony even went so far as to report that the Kings specifically are sour on Doncic, perhaps disappointed in his uneven finish to the European schedule before a MVP performance at the EuroLeague Final Four. It’s tough to tell — Sacramento also did not send a high-ranking front office representative to Belgrade to watch Doncic in those two games (only scouts), indicating either their disinterest or confidence in their intel from connections Divac may already have within Doncic’s camp.

Regardless, it would be a mistake for Sacramento to ignore Doncic. He may not bring the defensive acumen they sorely need on the wing, but he gives them further flexibility at the position and addresses their biggest needs better than any other player available. The Kings need wing depth and playmaking, and Doncic brings both.

He would also provide the kind of spark the team needs within the NBA, capitalizing on momentum they built when they moved from No. 7 to No. 2 in the lottery.