By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
It has been two years since Luka Doncic was selected third in the annual NBA draft. Among those missing out were the Phoenix Suns and then newly-appointed head coach Igor Kokoskov. The Fenerbahce Beko boss talked about the 2018 draft pointing out that he would not be interviewed by Socrates magazine in Turkey if the Suns had chosen the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year and 2020 NBA All-Star.
“He is a successful basketball player,” he said commenting on Doncic’s second season in the NBA, “There is a frightening momentum of development. Last year he was one of the most talented players in the world but today he is among the few selected best basketball players in the world. It should not be forgotten that he is only 21 years old and he will be playing for 17-18 years with the prolongation of professional athletes’ careers.”
The Dallas Mavericks were eliminated from the first round of the 2020 NBA playoffs. However, the future will feature a championship for the organization and the Slovenian superstar, according to Kokoskov.
“I believe that if he stays healthy, there is no chance he won’t get a ring,” he predicted, “I can’t see a force around that can stop it. Of course, there is this… We knew it would be one of the best, but who anticipated that it would reach this level in such a short time? I think nobody. Anyone who says “I did” is also lying.”
Back in 2018, the Suns picked Deandre Ayton and the Sacramento Kings followed with Marvin Bagley III using their second pick. Doncic landing in Phoenix would likely be connected with a longer tenure as the Suns head coach, Kokoskov hinted.
“Today we are face-to-face in Atasehir. I wouldn’t be sitting here with you today,” he replied to a question on what would happen if the Suns picked Doncic.
Kokoskov did not get him in the NBA but actually coached Doncic while at the helm of the Slovenian national team. Together, they lifted the 2017 EuroBasket trophy.