Contact Eddie Sefkoon Twitter:
The May 15 draft lottery will be here before you know it.
The Mavericks can pick anywhere from first to sixth, depending on how friendly the lottery gods are to them. Leading up to the lottery, we take a close look at the top 10 prospects, counting down from No. 10 to No. 1.
No. 3
Luka Doncic, Slovenia (Real Madrid)
6-8, 225, age 19, SG/SF
Why he's this high: He's been a professional since he was 15 and has actually been a terror for a good European League team, averaging 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 55 games the past year for Real Madrid. The European scouts rave about his fundamentals at such a young age and he appears to have a great work ethic. The upside is beyond limitless. It may take him a little time to get comfortable at the NBA level, but it's that way for virtually all international players. He's got no real holes in his game, however, and that makes him a prime prospect for any of the teams picking at or near the top of the lottery.
Why he's not higher: He only shot 30 percent from 3-point land in the past season, which would seem to be a drawback for a player expected to make his living at shooting guard at the NBA level. He's not the speediest player around, but then again, neither was Sarunas Marciulionis, Toni Kukoc or even Dirk Nowitzki. But it's enough of a concern that teams will have to be convinced that his other assets are off the charts because he doesn't have the foot speed to stay in front of more athletic offensive players. He's also like a lot of Europeans in that his killer instinct needs work. Unlike Manu Ginobili, he will have to learn the win-at-all costs mentality.
Our thoughts: He's very polished for a 19-year-old and he doesn't have to grow into his body. His frame is sturdy as is and should hold up well to the NBA rigors. Not sure he's enough of a sure thing to crack the top two in the draft. But he won't last long past that.
Would he fit with Mavs? Like a glove. He'd get to have a season or more of learning from Dirk Nowitzki, who can also help him get acclimated to America as well as the NBA. He'd be a big shooting guard with the ability to play at small forward when the Mavericks go small. And you know they would work with him on his shooting to turn that part of his game into a serious weapon. The Mavericks have scouted him plenty and if they don't win the lottery, he's a very viable choice.
Some highlights:
0 Response to "Top NBA draft prospects, No. 3: Why Euro prodigy Luka Doncic would fit like a glove with Mavericks - Dallas News (blog)"
Post a Comment