NBA Draft 2018: Mavericks take Luka Doncic at No. 3
The Dallas Mavericks address a major need with the third overall pick. Adding talent and excitement by selecting guard Luka Doncic.
Luka Doncic was the most polarizing players coming into the draft. Fans and pundits have him being the greatest European player of all-time or out of the league within three years. There is very little middle ground.
His achievements in Europe are impressive. He’s coming off a season where he won the EuroLeague championship, Final Four MVP, and regular season MVP. His accomplishments in the EuroLeague this season are equivalent, if not more impressive, than a college player winning National Player of the Year, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and a National Championship.
He averaged 22.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 33 games for Real Madrid with a .451/.367/.816 shooting line. Of every player in the 2018 NBA Draft, Doncic is considered the most pro ready. He’s been playing against grown men his entire career.
That’s good news for the Dallas Mavericks, who need a shot in the arm. Dennis Smith Jr. has a bright future ahead of him, but beyond that, there isn’t much to like in Dallas. Dirk Nowitzki is on his last legs and Harrison Barnes is a nice player, but best served as a third option.
The arrival of Doncic brings excitement to a franchise that no one cared about last season. No matter your opinion of the Slovenian guard, you have an opinion about him. Whether you tune in to see if he lives up to the hype or tune in to watch him fail, you’ll want to see what all the fuss is about.
With a backcourt of Doncic and Smith Jr., the Mavericks have their future set for the next 10 years. Both guys can play off-ball or run the show. Nowitzki will see more open shots and Barnes will have to carry less of the offensive load. If nothing else, we’re getting the Doncic and Dirk reality show that we deserve.