The Dallas Mavericks surprised everyone when they moved up in the 2018 NBA Draft to get European sensation Luka Doncic. The Mavericks traded the number 5 pick and a protected 2019 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for the right to Doncic.
The 6-foot-7 Doncic took the EuroLeague by storm after leading Real Madrid to the title. Doncic also won the Most Valuable Player honors and was selected as MVP of the EuroLeague Final 4. In his last EuroLeague season, Doncic averaged 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 61 games.
Weeks before the 2018 NBA Draft, the 19-year-old Doncic was touted as the number 1 overall pick. However, the Phoenix Suns changed their mind upon taking a closer look at Deandre Ayton, whom they selected first overall. The Sacramento Kings, in need of a big man, drafted Marvin Bagley III.
Hawks Selected Doncic For Mavericks
The Hawks selected Doncic with the third overall pick for the Mavericks, while the Memphis Grizzlies drafted Jaren Jackson Jr. with the fourth overall pick. The Mavs then selected high-scoring guard Trae Young for the Hawks.
When asked about Doncic, Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle says he was the only target for the team in the first round. Carlisle added that the Mavericks were planning to wait for Doncic to be available at number 5, but they didn't want to take any chance as they opted to arrange a trade with the Hawks.
"He's just too good, and so we made this deal — we moved up," said Carlisle, adding that the Mavericks got a franchise foundation piece with Doncic. Carlisle describes Doncic's accomplishments in the European and international leagues as unprecedented.
The Mavericks took a chance on Doncic despite not seeing him work out personally in Dallas. Doncic's season in the European league ended two days before the NBA Draft, depriving him a chance to show his wares before NBA teams.
Doncic To Form Backcourt Tandem With Dennis Smith Jr.
The Mavericks now have one of the most dynamic backcourt in Dennis Smith Jr. and Doncic. The Mavericks' 9th overall pick last season, Smith averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game in 69 games as a rookie.
Doncic's playmaking ability could boost the Mavericks offense, which ranked 19th in assists and 24th in offensive rating (106.3). The Mavericks finished 28th in the league in scoring with 102.3 points per game.
"He is a playmaker, he's a basketball player," Carlisle said. "I'm not sure what position he is. I think his position is on the floor playing and making plays and making people better."
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