Memphis Grizzlies: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0
No. 4: Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic has been praised for a while. There hasn’t been a European teenage prospect as polished as Doncic in a long time. Perimeter European players are extremely sketchy picks, as they have trouble translating to the speed.
However, Doncic could buck the trend. He has excellent floor vision and ball-handling as a 6’8” point forward. Despite his lack of explosiveness, he’s shifty and crafty when getting to the rim. He also has potential as a spot-up jumper.
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His shortcomings are there though. No one knows how his speed and athleticism will translate to the NBA. He might be a minus defender against NBA perimeter players.
Even if he doesn’t turn out to be a star, Doncic could at least become another Marco Belinelli – a streaker shooter who runs around screens, lights it up from deep and occasionally puts it on the floor to attack the basket.
Doncic serves as an excellent fit next to Gasol and Conley, as he can become what they wanted Chandler Parsons to be – the perfect third fiddle. He can either be the starting shooting guard next to Conley or a playmaking sixth man.
If he translates at the next level, he can be the starting point of the Memphis Grizzlies’ next great core.