Could this European teen be the No. 1 draft pick in 2018 NBA Draft?
Luka Doncic’s stellar performance at EuroBasket this summer has fueled further speculation that he could be a top lottery selection in the 2018 draft, and at least one NBA front office official believes in the hype and then some.
An unnamed NBA executive spoke to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman this week and praised Doncic, saying that he was well ahead of the other top prospects in his draft class.
“Michael Porter Jr. and Marvin Bagley III couldn’t put up the production that Doncic is doing in a 40-minute FIBA ball-control game,” he said.
“Yes, 100 percent,” continued the executive when asked if Doncic could go No. 1. “His game is leap years above anyone. Continues to shine and impress.”
The 18-year-old Doncic, who currently plays for Real Madrid of the Liga ACB and EuroLeague, is a 6-foot-7 point forward. He is averaging 15.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game for his native Slovenia at EuroBasket 2017 and has helped lead them to the championship game, including victories over Kristaps Porzingis-led Latvia and perennial powerhouse Spain. Doncic has already gotten one other major endorsement of his talents, and he may only continue to pick up steam in between now and the draft next June.
