2. Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Slovenia
Luka Doncic is the number one player on many people’s big boards, but he just doesn’t have that elite level athleticism that teams desire. Despite this, Doncic is perhaps the most skilled player in this draft Well, he has been playing professional basketball for Real Madrid since he was 16 years old.
In today’s NBA, Doncic fits the new mold of a forward playing like a point guard. Doncic has a great eye for a pass, his vision is top-notch. However, Doncic does a lot more than passing; he’s a gifted scorer who can score at every level.
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This season in the Euroleague, Doncic is performing amazingly. The Slovenian is averaging 21.6 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game and 3.6 assists per game. Additionally, Doncic is shooting 50.8 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line.
For Slovenia in the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket, Doncic averaged 14.3 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game and 3.6 assists per game. Doncic played an integral role in Slovenia winning the tournament.
The lack of athleticism may limit Doncic’s potential on the defensive end; he won’t be able to guard players who are quicker than him. Also, this lack of athleticism can give Doncic a tough time finishing in the paint against athletic defenders.
Given the competition that Doncic is facing at such a young age, his performances could be enough to warrant being selected first overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.