All Things Luka Doncic
Moderators: Duke4life831, Marcus
All Things Luka Doncic
-
- Junior
- Posts: 443
- And1: 345
- Joined: Mar 04, 2007
All Things Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic's natural position is PG, yet most NBA scouts see him more of a shooting guard than a point guard at this stage. And the last SG drafted 1st overall was Iverson in 1996 (SG in a PG body) and the last one before him was David Thompson in 1975.
Consequently I don't believe he can be drafted 1st or even 2nd overall, however I am confident he will be the best player of his generation with his skills, basketball IQ and ambition (if he stays healthy). He will probably have them most success playing point-forward in his prime, but he needs to get bigger, bulkier gradually, he needs to grow into his body.
Consequently I don't believe he can be drafted 1st or even 2nd overall, however I am confident he will be the best player of his generation with his skills, basketball IQ and ambition (if he stays healthy). He will probably have them most success playing point-forward in his prime, but he needs to get bigger, bulkier gradually, he needs to grow into his body.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
- SportsGuy8
- Starter
- Posts: 2,160
- And1: 1,050
- Joined: Jun 17, 2006
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
preldzic wrote:Luka Doncic's natural position is PG
While I do personally agree with this, Spanoulis' lover isn't going to like this, so I hope that you're prepared for a lecture.

As for where he's going to get picked, a lot is going to depend on the Celtics. If they keep their picks and are picking at the top, Doncic is a clear favorite. They've got to love the next great (white) hope.

Seriously though, even if other players end up looking more promising talent-wise, it's not hard to see how the Celtics would prefer someone as experienced with high level basketball as Doncic.
P.s.: When is this thread going to get locked? I bet on either immediately or around Eurobasket.


Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
- UcanUwill
- RealGM
- Posts: 32,046
- And1: 35,241
- Joined: Aug 07, 2011
-
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
I dont think the upside is there for the number one pick. That said, I always thought that highlights don't do him justice. He is becoming one of my favorites in Euroleague, and his impact is undeniable when you watch games, but when I watch his highlights it always bores me. One of those players who is just better than his highlights suggests.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Forum Mod
- Posts: 10,315
- And1: 5,173
- Joined: Mar 03, 2014
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
SportsGuy8 wrote:
P.s.: When is this thread going to get locked? I bet on either immediately or around Eurobasket.
Gonna let this go since its relevant to the 2018 draft class discussion and pretty much all of the elite prospects in the 2017 class had their own thread.
But fair warning if this thing goes off the rails like the other Doncic threads I will shut this one down too.
Watch More Basketball
Sometimes silence is the best thing you can contribute to a conversation
after what he did to Moses Moody's name, I got DJ K. Perk in a Verzuz battle against ANYBODY
Sometimes silence is the best thing you can contribute to a conversation
after what he did to Moses Moody's name, I got DJ K. Perk in a Verzuz battle against ANYBODY
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Junior
- Posts: 461
- And1: 319
- Joined: Feb 25, 2015
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
Theres quite a few videos of him much better then what you posted, this doesnt do Doncic any justice since you also dont even mention any stats in your videos, you posted this just get clicks and promote your video... again, just another compliation of some moves you like, has no head or tail.
So most of the guys from states, that will fall for your clickbait title will not be impressed by your video.
And it has also been debated in previous 2 locked threads about him going nr.1 or not, in the end its pretty much irrelevant for his development and game, which should be the real focus in a thread about him.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,223
- And1: 9,753
- Joined: Oct 27, 2016
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
I think he would get just eaten alive by the speed of NBA PG's. He may play PG offensively, but he will guard SG. You want to pair him with a guy like Malik Monk, CJ McCollum, Avery Bradley, etc. A shooter that can defend the PG position.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
- SportsGuy8
- Starter
- Posts: 2,160
- And1: 1,050
- Joined: Jun 17, 2006
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
UcanUwill wrote:I dont think the upside is there for the number one pick. That said, I always thought that highlights don't do him justice. He is becoming one of my favorites in Euroleague, and his impact is undeniable when you watch games, but when I watch his highlights it always bores me. One of those players who is just better than his highlights suggests.
Same for me. His highlight reels aren't nearly as exciting as those of most other top prospects, even some scrubs.
He's simply efficient, not just in his game, but also in the way he moves. When you combine that with his body (which is also a bit unorthodox) it kinda looks like he's always in slow-motion, even when he's actually moving quickly.
I think this is also one of the reasons why some people (mostly NBA fans that don't really watch Euro basketball) underrate him so much.

Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Junior
- Posts: 461
- And1: 319
- Joined: Feb 25, 2015
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
About his speed, he is no slower then Lonzo, yet we dont see anyone doubting about him being able to play PG or discusing him playing SG.
These double standards for white euros are pure BS
These double standards for white euros are pure BS
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
- SportsGuy8
- Starter
- Posts: 2,160
- And1: 1,050
- Joined: Jun 17, 2006
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
BlazersBroncos wrote:I think he would get just eaten alive by the speed of NBA PG's. He may play PG offensively, but he will guard SG. You want to pair him with a guy like Malik Monk, CJ McCollum, Avery Bradley, etc. A shooter that can defend the PG position.
This is probably a must. Although I think that he's going to be an above average defender, he's obviously going to have problems with quick PGs.
As for other positions, Joe Ingles just showed us how far you can come on defense by simply being an intelligent aggressive pest.
Marcus wrote:SportsGuy8 wrote:
P.s.: When is this thread going to get locked? I bet on either immediately or around Eurobasket.
Gonna let this go since its relevant to the 2018 draft class discussion and pretty much all of the elite prospects in the 2017 class had their own thread.
But fair warning WHEN this thing goes off the rails like the other Doncic threads I will shut this one down too.
FYP.

Sadly, I feel like it's unavoidable. There's simply too big of a gap when it comes to people's opinions regarding both the level of Euro basketball and the value of athleticism vs. skills. The case of Luka Doncic exposes both the most.

Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
- Thespianoid
- RealGM
- Posts: 33,933
- And1: 78,794
- Joined: May 22, 2012
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
-
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
Marcus wrote:SportsGuy8 wrote:
P.s.: When is this thread going to get locked? I bet on either immediately or around Eurobasket.
Gonna let this go since its relevant to the 2018 draft class discussion and pretty much all of the elite prospects in the 2017 class had their own thread.
But fair warning if this thing goes off the rails like the other Doncic threads I will shut this one down too.
a general question re: modding, wouldn't it be better to delete the derailing posts/suspend the posters rather than locking the entire thread?
Clementine9 wrote:Missed shots are unfortunate, but it's the trends throughout the game that matter.
Choker wrote:The swing in how Raptors fans have supported and turned on Powell is a good case study of human behavior.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Forum Mod - Bulls
- Posts: 16,141
- And1: 7,821
- Joined: Jul 16, 2004
- Location: Oakland
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
Bulls fan here. As someone who only started looking at Doncic this week, I'm glad to hear his highlights don't do him justice because they don't do much for me.
Also, why do Doncic threads go off the rails? Why's this guy so controversial around here?
Also, why do Doncic threads go off the rails? Why's this guy so controversial around here?
Contribute to the "Fire GarPax" billboard here:
https://www.gofundme.com/3v7fc-let-our-voices-be-heard-firegarpax
https://www.gofundme.com/3v7fc-let-our-voices-be-heard-firegarpax
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Forum Mod
- Posts: 10,315
- And1: 5,173
- Joined: Mar 03, 2014
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
Thespianoid wrote:Marcus wrote:SportsGuy8 wrote:
P.s.: When is this thread going to get locked? I bet on either immediately or around Eurobasket.
Gonna let this go since its relevant to the 2018 draft class discussion and pretty much all of the elite prospects in the 2017 class had their own thread.
But fair warning if this thing goes off the rails like the other Doncic threads I will shut this one down too.
a general question re: modding, wouldn't it be better to delete the derailing posts/suspend the posters rather than locking the entire thread?
It would be and that will be the plan going forward. I wasn't super invested in the kid last year, i'll more than likely be more invested this year but I still won't have the access to him as I will to the other prospect in his class. Because I lacked investment I wasn't here to check every single post as sadly, tends to be necessary in Doncic threads. I locked the threads over the constant bickering that came along with his threads. Absolutely nothing wrong with back and forth discussion and difference in opinions as long as it stays a difference in opinions and not breakdown into personal attacks and derailment. The passion this kid yields from some of his supporters allows no room for criticism from anyone else. IMO, therein lies the problem.
Bottom line threads don't/won't need to be locked if posters can keep themselves in check. Someone doesn't agree with your post or assessment you don't need to delve into a tangent to prove a point. Time and the player themselves tend to flesh out pros and cons eventually. Have a discussion, stay on topic, make your point, take in someone else's point, and keep it moving. Pretty simple math. Enough people follow that formula and the Doncic threads might live to see a couple hundred pages by this time next year.
Any other questions send a PM as I don't want to derail the topic and or focus of this thread.
Watch More Basketball
Sometimes silence is the best thing you can contribute to a conversation
after what he did to Moses Moody's name, I got DJ K. Perk in a Verzuz battle against ANYBODY
Sometimes silence is the best thing you can contribute to a conversation
after what he did to Moses Moody's name, I got DJ K. Perk in a Verzuz battle against ANYBODY
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
- azcatz11
- RealGM
- Posts: 29,931
- And1: 33,946
- Joined: Apr 13, 2017
- Location: Phoenix
-
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
AshyLarrysDiaper wrote:Bulls fan here. As someone who only started looking at Doncic this week, I'm glad to hear his highlights don't do him justice because they don't do much for me.
Also, why do Doncic threads go off the rails? Why's this guy so controversial around here?
I was reading thru the previous Doncic thread and the argument was Euro ball vs. NBA translating. Both sides were very passionate and the thread turned very personal.
Also, to be blunt, we are talking about a white Euro going #1 overall potentially. I hope this doesn't offend anyone but that is divisive in itself whether you want to admit it or not...
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,189
- And1: 5,032
- Joined: Nov 04, 2014
-
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
1st time hearing about this kid.
The highlights look pretty good so far, especially in context of him being 17 playing in one of the best leagues in the world.
The highlights look pretty good so far, especially in context of him being 17 playing in one of the best leagues in the world.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Lead Assistant
- Posts: 5,965
- And1: 2,766
- Joined: Jun 29, 2014
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
Marcus wrote:It would be and that will be the plan going forward. I wasn't super invested in the kid last year, i'll more than likely be more invested this year but I still won't have the access to him as I will to the other prospect in his class. Because I lacked investment I wasn't here to check every single post as sadly, tends to be necessary in Doncic threads. I locked the threads over the constant bickering that came along with his threads. Absolutely nothing wrong with back and forth discussion and difference in opinions as long as it stays a difference in opinions and not breakdown into personal attacks and derailment. The passion this kid yields from some of his supporters allows no room for criticism from anyone else. IMO, therein lies the problem.
Bottom line threads don't/won't need to be locked if posters can keep themselves in check. Someone doesn't agree with your post or assessment you don't need to delve into a tangent to prove a point. Time and the player themselves tend to flesh out pros and cons eventually. Have a discussion, stay on topic, make your point, take in someone else's point, and keep it moving. Pretty simple math. Enough people follow that formula and the Doncic threads might live to see a couple hundred pages by this time next year.
Any other questions send a PM as I don't want to derail the topic and or focus of this thread.
Like I said earlier. Put it in a PM if you want to address my post further.
-Marcus
ItsThatEasy wrote:1st time hearing about this kid.
The highlights look pretty good so far, especially in context of him being 17 playing in one of the best leagues in the world.
He's actually 18.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
- Prez
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 27,160
- And1: 44,210
- Joined: Jan 26, 2015
-
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
Crazy how this kid was dominating the Euroleague at such an early age. Highlights don't do him justice. Can't wait to see him at the highest level in the NBA.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,199
- And1: 5,715
- Joined: Jan 06, 2015
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
It's way too early to tell. We also have a good big man class, I know a team like Boston who possibly could have two top five picks would rather go with Ayton, Bamba, or Porter if there's not much separation.
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Ballboy
- Posts: 24
- And1: 52
- Joined: Jun 27, 2017
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
As some people here have already said if you look only at highlights it is hard to judge Doncic fairly. Luckily there is a (I think Spanish) Doncic fan that has created really lengthy compilations of Doncic's scoring and passing this year.
The scoring compilations include a lot of fake moves under the basket that are usually not included in the higlight reels and of course all of his other moves including a barrage of three pointers.
The passing compilations can be a bit dull and repetitive since there is a lot of dishes out to three point shooters. But even in a lot of those actions you can notice Doncic's crazy basketball IQ, and of course there are also some of his crazier 'Ginobiliesque' assists and often you can notice his ability to find non-obvious passing lanes.
All together there is about an hour of material that should help people that have never seen Doncic in action to get to know him better.
(***Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with those videos. I am just Luka's fan from Slovenia that is aware that the videos exist and I thought that this material could be useful to some people)
So, here are the videos (Scoring compilation 1 & 2, Passing compilation 1,2,3 & 4):
The scoring compilations include a lot of fake moves under the basket that are usually not included in the higlight reels and of course all of his other moves including a barrage of three pointers.
The passing compilations can be a bit dull and repetitive since there is a lot of dishes out to three point shooters. But even in a lot of those actions you can notice Doncic's crazy basketball IQ, and of course there are also some of his crazier 'Ginobiliesque' assists and often you can notice his ability to find non-obvious passing lanes.
All together there is about an hour of material that should help people that have never seen Doncic in action to get to know him better.
(***Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with those videos. I am just Luka's fan from Slovenia that is aware that the videos exist and I thought that this material could be useful to some people)
So, here are the videos (Scoring compilation 1 & 2, Passing compilation 1,2,3 & 4):
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
-
- Lead Assistant
- Posts: 5,965
- And1: 2,766
- Joined: Jun 29, 2014
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
Prez wrote:Crazy how this kid was dominating the Euroleague at such an early age. Highlights don't do him justice. Can't wait to see him at the highest level in the NBA.
He averaged 7 points and 4 assists a game. "Dominated EuroLeague"....
It's also crazy how someone like Brian Roberts was dominating the NBA all these years...
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
- GimmeDat
- Forum Mod - Bulls
- Posts: 23,927
- And1: 16,926
- Joined: Sep 27, 2013
- Location: Australia
-
Re: Is Luka Dončić 2018 NBA draft 1st pick?
He only goes 1st if the rest of the top tier underwhelm, imo. Not a knock on Doncic, but he clearly doesn't have the highest ceiling out of the top guys for athletic reasons. Not a bad athlete, but not a star athlete, and that's more or less a prerequisite for the highest level of NBA players.
Doncic's ceiling would be Hayward-esque but a bit more playmaking orientated, imo.
Doncic's ceiling would be Hayward-esque but a bit more playmaking orientated, imo.