Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt thinks the Dallas Mavericks got the steal of the 2018 NBA Draft when they traded for Luka Doncic during the 2018 NBA Draft.
“My opinion the biggest miss in the NBA draft. He was the No. 1 pick no question,” Blatt said to Eurohoops TV. “In my mind, but that’s my orientation and knowing both leagues and understanding I think that teams in many cases draft for position or maybe draft for potential, but in terms of readiness, NBA readiness. There was no player in the draft that was more NBA ready than Luka Doncic, unquestioned, hands down. Now to say that a team has to draft that guy for that reason. They don’t. You can draft whoever you want and for whatever reasons you want. But Luka is a unique talent and he’s going to have a great NBA career in my opinion.”
Blatt won the EuroLeague Coach of the Year Award in 2014. Shortly after, he was chosen to be the next head coach of the Cavs. Under Blatt's leadership, the Cavs reached the NBA Finals. Although this was an impressive feat for a rookie coach, the Cavs lost 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Blatt was fired in the January of the next season. Tyronn Lue, his lead assistant, went on to coach the Cavs to their first NBA championship in 2016.
Even though Blatt's time in the NBA was short, he know basketball. He was terminated by the Cavs because his personality didn't mesh well with their personnel. He remains one of the the most well respected basketball authorities in Europe, where he now coaches Olympiacos B.C., a pro team in Greece.
David Blatt and plenty of members on the Mavericks' staff have raved about the potential of Luka Doncic. The 6-foot-6 EuroLeague MVP is expected to form a promising backcourt with Dennis Smith Jr. this season. If he pans out like Blatt thinks, the Mavericks may have secured an international talent worthy of succeeding Dirk Nowitzki.
Follow Us
Subscribe