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2018 NBA Mock Draft: A full first round following National Championship Game

By Maxwell Ogden

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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BELGRADE, SERBIA – MARCH 30: Luka Doncic (R) of Real Madrid in action against Branko Lazic (L) of Crvena Zvezda during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA – MARCH 30: Luka Doncic (R) of Real Madrid in action against Branko Lazic (L) of Crvena Zvezda during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /

125. . Guard/Forward. Real Madrid. Luka Doncic. 3. player

Age: 19 (2/28/1999)
Height & Weight: 6’8″ & 218 pounds
Slash Line: .464/.306/.806
Season Averages: 24.6 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.0 ORPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.5 3PM

The Atlanta Hawks have needed a reliable isolation scorer since Joe Johnson was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2012. That’s a long and extensive drought that has inevitably limited the Hawks’ ability to escape basketball limbo.

With an opportunity to put Dennis Schröder and John Collins around one of the most creative playmakers in recent NBA Draft history, the Hawks select Luka Doncic at No. 3 overall.

Doncic is a polarizing figure due to some combination of casual fans doubting European prospects and his admittedly underwhelming foot speed. His versatility is that of a rather polished NBA veteran, however, and he’s still just 19 years of age.

Doncic will need time to adjust to the pace and style of the NBA game, but if he figures it out, he should be one of best perimeter players in the Association.

Doncic can operate as a lead guard or an off guard due to his combination of elite court vision and fearless shooting ability. He’s also an excellent rebounder and an improved defender who needs polish in every phase, but has the natural talent to execute as he is.

If the New York Knicks have an opportunity to select Doncic come the 2018 NBA Draft, fans shouldn’t allow the European stigma to dissuade them from supporting the pick.

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