The Dallas Mavericks are hoping that teenage sensation Luka Doncic will be available when it's their turn to pick in the NBA Draft.
Dallas who missed the playoffs in the past two seasons will be picking fifth overall in this year's draft which will take place on Thursday, June 22. ESPN draft analyst Mike Schmitz believes that the Mavericks have a real potential of landing the youngest Euroleague Most Valuable Player in history. Schmitz explained that Doncic is a perfect fit for the struggling Mavericks team.
The Mavericks management, spearheaded by Donnie Nelson, has also made several trips to Europe to witness his potential personally. Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban described him as a taller version of Steve Nash.
Nash is a two-time MVP played for the Mavericks for six seasons. The Hall of Famer averaged 16.0 points, 7.9 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in his stint with the Mavericks. He is also an eight-time NBA All-Star participant.
The 19-year-old Doncic is a six-foot-eight point guard who currently plays for Real Madrid. He hails from Ljubljana, Slovenia and currently holds an impressive 24-12 win-loss card.
"I think it's not out of the realm of possibility that he's there at five, which is pretty crazy to say given everything he's done," Schmitz reiterated.
Meanwhile, Doncic is projected to be selected fourth by the Memphis Grizzlies according to Gary Parrish of CBS Sports.
Earlier this week, the Grizzlies have reportedly entertained offers about Chandler Parsons and the fourth overall pick. Parsons is currently signed with the Grizzlies for a luxurious $50 million deal.
Doncic, who is also the youngest player to be named as the Euroleague Final Four MVP, said that he is deeply honored to be considered in the top five in this year's draft. Other elite players making up this draft include Marvin Bagley III, Deandre Ayton, Jaren Jackson, Mo Bamba, and Michael Porter Jr.
Kings To Pick Doncic
On the other hand, the Sacramento Kings have also shown their interest in selecting Doncic as their second pick in this year's draft. Last Friday, June 15, Aneel Ranadive, the son of Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, posted a photo of him, his Dad, and Doncic on his Instagram account.
However, numerous reports around the league say that the Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and the Grizzlies are shopping for their respective picks. The Hawks will pick third in the draft.
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