By Arma Kaynar/ info@eurohoops.net
The question of whether the Phoenix Suns should’ve drafted Luka Doncic with the no. 1 pick in 2018 is still a much-discussed “What if?” in the NBA and a topic that will probably be talked about more and more with every new achievement by the 21-year-old All-Star.
Phoenix was fixed on picking center DeAndre Ayton and the presence of Igor Kokoskov – who coached Doncic on the Slovenian national team and was more than familiar with his talent, abilities and prospect – wouldn’t change that.
Kokoskov, currently the head coach of Fenerbahce Beko, thinks that Phoenix’s decision to go with Ayton instead of Doncic had already been made in advance prior to his hiring early in May 2018.
“I don’t think it’s a fair question because we have to support each other in terms of… It’s easy right now from this perspective… blame for somebody else,” Kokoskov told Eurohoops when asked if he wanted to get Doncic with the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. “I was there. I coached Luka on the Slovenian national team. I think that the decision was predetermined before I got there. Again, I don’t think it’s fair for me to blame and point the finger at somebody else, but I really sleep well every night. I have peaceful dreams, no problem with my conscience. ”
Doncic was just named to the 2020 All-NBA First Team, becoming one of the youngest players in the history of the league to accomplish that. He’s been turning heads in every manner imaginable thanks to his phenomenal performances and while carrying a lot of potential that is still untapped.
“He’s one of the most dominant players in the game of basketball right now at the age of 21. It’s really scary to think about how much room of improvement he has,” Kokoskov commented. “In every other game, he’s playing better and better. In every challenge that is thrown at him, he’s showing that he’s got unbelievable potential. I think that’s a perfect fit in a great organization. From rookie to the next superstar. Luka is going to be another 17-18 years in the league. So, if he stays healthy and continues playing the way he’s playing, I think He’s probably going to be one of the best players that ever played the game.”