By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
In his interview with Sportklub, Phoenix Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov revealed that Dallas Mavericks had a clear goal from the start and focused all of their attention and resources on drafting Luka Donic:
“Doncic is a great and talented young player, I hope a nice NBA career is ahead of him. Dallas Mavericks were lobbying and pushing for Luka to come, by any means necessary – I met with Donald Nelson and people from Mavs management a month and a half ago, and they were already aggressively looking for the opportunity to get him. I suppose they have a clear vision and know what they are doing with him.”
Although there were some implications that Luka will end up in Phoenix because of his connection with their newly hired head coach (Doncic played – and shined – under Kokoskov with Slovenian national team) the Suns went with center Deandre Ayton with the no. 1 overall pick. Nonetheless, Kokoskov thinks Dallas is a great place for Doncic to start:
“Dirk Nowitzki is on the exit door, but Luka will play one season with such a legend. The Mavericks are excited to receive Luka – I think the timing is right, and he will also benefit from the game style and an experienced coach like Rick Carlyle who bases the game on the offensive talent and the players who make the advantage in offense. He’ll know how to use him.”