By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told ESPN that by trading with the Atlanta Hawks for Luka Doncic, the team acquired the player who was by far their top choice to pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
“He was the top player on our board. It wasn’t even close,” Cuban said on Doncic.
Cuban further elaborated on why Dallas has been so much sold on Doncic that they didn’t even think of drafting another player by mentioning that the Mavs consider the 19-year-old Slovenian guard as someone who carries the potential power to bring a major impact on the franchise.
“The logic is, if you think he’s a game-changing player for you, a franchise-changing player, you don’t care about your next pick,” Cuban said. “You just want that player.”
Even though Doncic arrives in the NBA as the most decorated and accomplished European (and not only) prospect… ever, priding on an enviable collection of team titles, individual awards and all sorts of honors on every level he has competed so far, there are some concerns regarding his athleticism and his ability to catch up with the lightning-fast speed of the game in the NBA
Cuban believes that athleticism and physicality are just aspects that are bound to be improved and developed in Doncic’s new surroundings.
“He’s just got to get stronger and a little bit more physical for our game, but he’s got all the opportunities right in front of him to be amazing. “People talk about his athleticism. He hasn’t really worked on his athleticism ever. Most 17-, 18-year-old kids don’t. It’s when they get into the pros or particularly the NBA. I think with Jeremy working with him, he’s going to improve. It’s already good.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on the kid, but we’re excited that we got him.”