2018 NBA Mock Draft: Full first round before 2018 NCAA Tournament
Guard/Forward. Real Madrid. Luka Doncic. 1. player. 211.
Age: 19 (2/28/1999)
Height & Weight: 6’8″ & 218 pounds
Slash Line: .467/.311/.811
Season Averages: 24.6 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.5 3PM
If I were the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, I’d select Deandre Ayton at No. 1 overall and trade Marc Gasol for the best possible package. Considering Memphis is remaining loyal to Gasol and Mike Conley, however, this pick must be executed with their presence in mind.
Thus, the Grizzlies select the player who can address the longstanding absence of a high-level perimeter scorer: Luka Doncic.
Doncic’s success in Europe has been like something out of a movie. He’s receiving minutes that players his age simply don’t receive in Liga ACB, has led his national team to resounding success, and may just be the best player in the No. 2 league in the world.
More applicably: He’s a 6’8” playmaker who can shoot with NBA range, create for his teammates, and finish at the rim despite his somewhat underwhelming athleticism.
Gasol can help Doncic make the transition from Spain to the NBA and Conley can alleviate early pressure as a playmaker and scorer. Together, that trio could lead Memphis back to the playoffs as soon as the 2018-19 season.
Other players would need to step up, but if Memphis plans to build for both the short-term and the long-term, then Doncic can help it do so without sacrificing its infrastructure.
The New York Knicks have already sent scouts to evaluate Doncic in person.