Despite the raving fuss about Luka Doncic being considered among the top-two talents in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks and the Sacramento Kings could potentially pass on the European phenom come draft night, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
Doncic was scouted in Belgrade, where his team Real Madrid took part in the Euroleague's Final Four; one of the most coveted European titles.
“The growing consensus among NBA decision-makers in attendance at Stark Arena in Belgrade is that the teams drafting behind the Phoenix Suns at No. 1, the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks are likely to pass on European prodigy in favor of American frontcourt players.”
The Phoenix Suns have been rumored to be leaning toward drafting DeAndre Ayton out of Arizona, a move that will make a lot of sense, given the amount of years it's taken them to figure out a staple at the center position after playing musical chairs with Alex Len, Alan Williams, Dragan Bender, and veteran Tyson Chandler.
The frontcourt talent is deep in this draft, with the likes of Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Wendell Carter Jr. presenting plenty of upside for teams looking for an athletic presence.
“The question remains whether a team will trade up into the top three to snag Doncic, or if he will fall to the No. 4 (Memphis) or even the No. 5 pick (Dallas) after being heavily scouted in the Euroleague playoffs against Panathinaikos and mostly struggling.”
The Hawks have been reportedly willing to trade their pick if the right situation comes along, though it could be a risky game, considering Doncic would have to slide to third to make the gamble worthwhile.
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