{"id":14855,"date":"2018-05-13T13:35:23","date_gmt":"2018-05-13T17:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=14855"},"modified":"2018-05-13T13:35:23","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T17:35:23","slug":"luka-doncic-nba-draft-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2018\/05\/13\/luka-doncic-nba-draft-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"Luka Don\u010di\u0107 NBA Draft Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to LWOS NBA Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional basketball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft.\u00a0Be sure to bookmark the site,\u00a0follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports.\u00a0Check out our\u00a0complete coverage\u00a0<\/a>of the\u00a02018 NBA Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 2018 NBA Draft!<\/em><\/p>\n

Luka Don\u010di\u0107 – 6’8” Point Guard, Slovenia, 19 Years Old<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/strong> enters the NBA Draft as a serious contender to be the No.1 overall pick. Joining Spanish side Real Madrid in 2015, Don\u010di\u0107 became the youngest player in Madrid’s history to represent the team in the Liga ACB. He would go on to play in the EuroLeague, making a name for himself on the continent. Still a teenager,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 was raising eyebrows with his well-rounded game and impressive maturity for someone so young. Playing against grown men,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 would become a standout talent in Europe. This led to the Slovenian representing his country in the 2017 EuroBasket. Slovenia, led by Goran Dragic<\/strong><\/a>, went on to win the tournament, with\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 playing a key role.<\/p>\n

In his final year with Real Madrid,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 averaged 14.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, whilst shooting 46 percent from the field. Playing 124 games in his final two seasons in Spain,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 was a key contributor, leading to 19-year-old winning the EuroLeague Rising Star award in 2017.\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 will hope his well-rounded game and r\u00e9sum\u00e9 in Europe will be enough to make him the No.1 overall pick come June 21st.<\/p>\n

Strengths\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The son of a former Basketball player,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 brings elite play-making skills to the table. A point guard in a small forwards body,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 is an ideal fit for today’s NBA, as the game moves closer towards positionless\u00a0Basketball. Capable of playing multiple positions, he can create from almost anywhere.<\/p>\n

A good leader,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 is mature enough to lead at the NBA level. He also has the physical tools to compete in the NBA. Standing at 6’8” without shoes,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 will more than hold his own in his 225-pound frame.<\/p>\n

His passing will be a serious weapon in the NBA. Accuracy, IQ, and timing will help him, especially in pick & roll situations. Similar to Ben Simmons<\/a><\/strong>, his size and vision should be a deadly combo.\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 could develop into a true floor general, a primary ball handler, an elite playmaker.<\/p>\n

Weaknesses\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Defensively,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 doesn’t\u00a0struggle, but he doesn’t\u00a0thrive either. An area where he needs to improve, this should be the main focus in his rookie year. One of the main causes for his defensive limitations is his quickness. Not the best athlete in the world,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 relies on instinct to help him at both ends. Whether it’s beating his man at one end or sticking with his matchup at the other, he must find a way to improve to truly be consistent in the NBA.<\/p>\n

Not a natural athlete,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 finds other ways to succeed on the court. However, in the NBA, being naturally athletic helps at either guard spot. With\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 lacking in this area, scoring and guarding longer players will be tough to start with. But as a player who is improving rapidly, it’s not hard to see him finding a way to deal with his lack of natural gifts.<\/p>\n

NBA Potential<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Expected to be a top-five pick,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 has franchise player potential. If he develops a reliable three-ball, he can be the face of a franchise. Entering with All-Star potential,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 could develop into a truly dominant player. A starter from day one,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 will be making an impact from Summer League on. Possessing most of the tools and skills to succeed in the NBA,\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 should have a productive career.<\/p>\n

NBA Player Comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Comparisons can be tricky for players like\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107. When your body type doesn’t necessarily match your play style, some strange ones can emerge. Some have compared\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 to a taller Ricky Rubio<\/a><\/strong>, which seems far-fetched. The most sensible and reasonable is Ben Simmons. His mix of size and playmaking ability could lead\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 to make a Simmons like impact on whichever team drafts him. Both have All-Star potential and similar play styles, we could be looking at two of the games future superstars.<\/p>\n

Look for Luka\u00a0Don\u010di\u0107 to go in the top-five on draft night, and be sure to stay updated with our complete coverage<\/a> of the 2018 NBA Draft!<\/p>\n

Main Image:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>