Luka Doncic (pre and post-draft discussion thread)

[206Fan]

As a Latvian I can say Kurucs will be a failure in the NBA, even if he has a chance to make it, after under 16 European championship I thought he would become another top star for team Latvia, but after dissapointing years in Barcelona system, injury after injury and his agent blunders which happened last year... I ain't seeing him succeding in pro basketball, only thing I like... is his shot release which looks like Klay Thompson's from behind.

Kurucs is one of the most hated young bball players in Latvia amongst fans and people who are close to basketball, and his agent doesn't make it easier for him either, because he is the MOST hated person in Latvia who are close to basketball, nobody likes him here.

I might say his younger brother has more talent than him... damn this makes me realise how little ago he was rated a lottery pick in mock drafts.

Why do Latvians dislike him so much? Because he's been a failure?

Kurucs intrigues me, but his inability to get any PT at Barcelona concerns me. The competition he faces for Barcelona II is worse competition than the top tier colleges. With that in mind, he still didn't standout. I'm ok with him as a 2nd round pick. Low-risk type of player in the 2nd.

 

[206Fan]

On the recent Bill Simmons podcast, Kevin O'Connor mentioned that he brought in Fox and when he asked him about Doncic, he said that Fox wasn't high on him, but he also didn't watch enough of him. During the draft lotto interview, the only thing Fox really commented about was that he knew the Kings don't need a PG. O'Connor and Bill Simmons seem to suggests that Doncic is better as your primary PG.

Anyone have thoughts on this? I think Fox-Doncic can co-exists with Doncic being the secondary ball handler.

 

[Joshoua]

On the recent Bill Simmons podcast, Kevin O'Connor mentioned that he brought in Fox and when he asked him about Doncic, he said that Fox wasn't high on him, but he also didn't watch enough of him. During the draft lotto interview, the only thing Fox really commented about was that he knew the Kings don't need a PG. O'Connor and Bill Simmons seem to suggests that Doncic is better as your primary PG.

Anyone have thoughts on this? I think Fox-Doncic can co-exists with Doncic being the secondary ball handler.

No doubt fox didn’t watch any euro games and fox isn’t good enough for me to pass on Doncic.

However I think they could play together Doncic is at his best when matched with a pg. Fox needs to become a decent shooter with or without Doncic and if he can’t than it’s a big loss. I wouldn’t care about fox opinion on the draft he’s proved nothing to warrant that

 

[VF21]

On the recent Bill Simmons podcast, Kevin O'Connor mentioned that he brought in Fox and when he asked him about Doncic, he said that Fox wasn't high on him, but he also didn't watch enough of him. During the draft lotto interview, the only thing Fox really commented about was that he knew the Kings don't need a PG. O'Connor and Bill Simmons seem to suggests that Doncic is better as your primary PG.

Anyone have thoughts on this? I think Fox-Doncic can co-exists with Doncic being the secondary ball handler.

My main thought? Listening to anything Bill Simmons either says or has a hand in will give you nightmares. I seriously doubt if Fox dissed Doncic. I don't think the Kings are/should be looking at Luka as a one-position player. His ability to play several positions could be just what the doctor ordered. My personal belief is that Luka, Fox and Bogs could give other teams fits. Add Giles into the mix and we could be in for a whole lot of fun! Put WCS at his best in the mix and there's a busload of potential just waiting to be used.

 

[hrdboild]

On the recent Bill Simmons podcast, Kevin O'Connor mentioned that he brought in Fox and when he asked him about Doncic, he said that Fox wasn't high on him, but he also didn't watch enough of him. During the draft lotto interview, the only thing Fox really commented about was that he knew the Kings don't need a PG. O'Connor and Bill Simmons seem to suggests that Doncic is better as your primary PG.

Anyone have thoughts on this? I think Fox-Doncic can co-exists with Doncic being the secondary ball handler.

Fox probably doesn't like the idea of the team drafting another PG, but Luka could slot into the PG, SG, or SF spot in a lineup (maybe even PF at some point) so he wouldn't be taking minutes away from Fox and if he makes him look good on the floor (either by setting him up for dunks/layups or knocking down his spot-up threes) I'm pretty sure De'Aaron would get on board pretty quick. Luka looks like a pass-first guy to me so I don't really see why there would be chemistry issues on the court. Who doesn't like to play with someone who'll pass them the ball when they're in good position to score? In the games I've watched I don't feel like he's dominating a lot of possessions over-dribbling the ball or hunting his shot and those are the types of issues which cause conflicts between multiple playmakers. Not to mention, Bogdan seems to know Luka pretty well already and Luka seems pretty humble about deferring to more experienced players so that should help in integrating him into the locker room.

 

[funkykingston]

On the recent Bill Simmons podcast, Kevin O'Connor mentioned that he brought in Fox and when he asked him about Doncic, he said that Fox wasn't high on him, but he also didn't watch enough of him. During the draft lotto interview, the only thing Fox really commented about was that he knew the Kings don't need a PG. O'Connor and Bill Simmons seem to suggests that Doncic is better as your primary PG.

Anyone have thoughts on this? I think Fox-Doncic can co-exists with Doncic being the secondary ball handler.

My thought is that Fox didn't really know anything about Doncic, and said as much. He was asked who he would draft if Vlade told him to make the pick and he said "I really like Marvin and DeAndre. Or if we want a big wing then Mike". He knows Ayton, Bagley and Porter so that's who he went with.

He also knows the guys at Kentucky and talked a bit about Jarred Vanderbilt, who I have as a potential pick at #36. Fox called him the best rebounder he's ever seen. Sure, there's the foot injuries but I like his energy, defense and rebounding. If he's healthy (and can learn to shoot corner threes) he could be a great role player.

My main thought? Listening to anything Bill Simmons either says or has a hand in will give you nightmares. I seriously doubt if Fox dissed Doncic. I don't think the Kings are/should be looking at Luka as a one-position player. His ability to play several positions could be just what the doctor ordered. My personal belief is that Luka, Fox and Bogs could give other teams fits. Add Giles into the mix and we could be in for a whole lot of fun! Put WCS at his best in the mix and there's a busload of potential just waiting to be used.

For anyone who hasn't seen the interview with De'Aaron and Kevin O'Conner, it's worth watching. Fox is a great interview and it reminds me of why I'm glad we drafted him. He talks about the fans showing up every game and wanting to get the team back to the playoffs for them, what he's been working on this summer, the vets on the team and a bunch of other stuff.

I've queued it up to where he talks about the draft. Very clearly he doesn't know anything about Doncic and his whole take is that it's hard for guys from overseas to become stars. And then they talk about Porzingis. Literally nothing about not wanting a PG or Doncic's game etc.

 

[LPKingsFan]

My main thought? Listening to anything Bill Simmons either says or has a hand in will give you nightmares. I seriously doubt if Fox dissed Doncic. I don't think the Kings are/should be looking at Luka as a one-position player. His ability to play several positions could be just what the doctor ordered. My personal belief is that Luka, Fox and Bogs could give other teams fits. Add Giles into the mix and we could be in for a whole lot of fun! Put WCS at his best in the mix and there's a busload of potential just waiting to be used.

I listened to the podcast this morning. They certainly did not say that Fox "dissed" Doncic. They are high on both Fox and Doncic, FWIW.

 

[Hoovtrain]

On the recent Bill Simmons podcast, Kevin O'Connor mentioned that he brought in Fox and when he asked him about Doncic, he said that Fox wasn't high on him, but he also didn't watch enough of him. During the draft lotto interview, the only thing Fox really commented about was that he knew the Kings don't need a PG. O'Connor and Bill Simmons seem to suggests that Doncic is better as your primary PG.

Anyone have thoughts on this? I think Fox-Doncic can co-exists with Doncic being the secondary ball handler.

I don’t think there is any downside to having guys at PG/SG/SF that can handle the ball and facilitate the offense. And if you have a good BBall IQ then you can probably be effective moving off the ball. All 3 of these guys have high BBall IQs, so I don’t see a problem.

 

[Dime Dropper]

On the subject of Euros, Muza should be the first one off the board after Luka. He should go in the lottery, that kid is talented. He is a very good athlete, even by NBA standards, and he is skilled. Ginobili is actually a decent comparison for him, since people love comparing Euros to other Euros. I would love to get another pick to slot him in at SF if we don't take a SF at 2.

 

[PurpleHaze]

Teenager Doncic stock falling by the day or not? https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...cic-where-his-nacho-cheese-was-definitely-hot

 

[roasthawg]

Teenager Doncic stock falling by the day or not? https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...cic-where-his-nacho-cheese-was-definitely-hot

Good read! What I got out of it is that Pollard agrees with me, jjj is gonna be a stud lol.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

On the subject of Euros, Muza should be the first one off the board after Luka. He should go in the lottery, that kid is talented. He is a very good athlete, even by NBA standards, and he is skilled. Ginobili is actually a decent comparison for him, since people love comparing Euros to other Euros. I would love to get another pick to slot him in at SF if we don't take a SF at 2.

he looks impressive. absolutely wet Jumper.. maybe he falls to 37 for us.

 

[allrightythen]

The more I read/watch Doncic the more I like his fit with Bogi and Fox. He's extremely creative and a great passer, but I think he'll be best suited to use those skills in doses and not as a full-time thing. Having him play off the ball while giving opportunities to create at times and hone those skills will allow him to develop more of his game. I also think in the NBA he'll have a little more space to work making his game much more efficient than it was in Europe. I wouldn't be surprised if his shooting percentages came up in the NBA.

 

[Suicide King]

My main thought? Listening to anything Bill Simmons either says or has a hand in will give you nightmares. I seriously doubt if Fox dissed Doncic. I don't think the Kings are/should be looking at Luka as a one-position player. His ability to play several positions could be just what the doctor ordered. My personal belief is that Luka, Fox and Bogs could give other teams fits. Add Giles into the mix and we could be in for a whole lot of fun! Put WCS at his best in the mix and there's a busload of potential just waiting to be used.

I agree but don't forget Buddy! His hustle and determination on the court has won me over. Like yourself, I didn't want to like him, but I always try to keep an open mind on life and I am glad I did. But you are right, if we draft Luka (yes please) and we play like most of us are hoping we will ( please Coach) I think we are going to be a fun squad to watch and root for, as well as a pain in the arse for most teams to compete with in due time.

 

[Fear the Putin]

not sure if this has been posted

 

[PurpleHaze]

If you want taller more versatile Goran Dragic then Luka Doncic is your man. And Dragic is hell of a NBA star back court player. But is that enough to make him Kings #2 overall pick? As this mock draft vid shows 19 year old has likely better overall talent than Dragic (at least as the youngster develops in NBA) but for me best right where shown (#4). Unless Kings swing deal with Memphis - I say look elsewhere at #2. Porter or Bagley or certainly Ayton if Phoenix defaults. Of course in this route Atlanta takes Doncic and becomes mute point.

 

[upinsmoke]

My thought is that Fox didn't really know anything about Doncic, and said as much. He was asked who he would draft if Vlade told him to make the pick and he said "I really like Marvin and DeAndre. Or if we want a big wing then Mike". He knows Ayton, Bagley and Porter so that's who he went with.

He also knows the guys at Kentucky and talked a bit about Jarred Vanderbilt, who I have as a potential pick at #36. Fox called him the best rebounder he's ever seen. Sure, there's the foot injuries but I like his energy, defense and rebounding. If he's healthy (and can learn to shoot corner threes) he could be a great role player.



For anyone who hasn't seen the interview with De'Aaron and Kevin O'Conner, it's worth watching. Fox is a great interview and it reminds me of why I'm glad we drafted him. He talks about the fans showing up every game and wanting to get the team back to the playoffs for them, what he's been working on this summer, the vets on the team and a bunch of other stuff.

I've queued it up to where he talks about the draft. Very clearly he doesn't know anything about Doncic and his whole take is that it's hard for guys from overseas to become stars. And then they talk about Porzingis. Literally nothing about not wanting a PG or Doncic's game etc.

Thanks for posting this I was going to because I heard that pod a few weeks ago and knew he didn't say anything critical of Doncic but didn't have the time to fish for it. I'm in the Mikal Bridges camp but know it's more realistic that we take Doncic and I don't worry about his fit.

 

[sergmatt]

If you want taller more versatile Goran Dragic then Luka Doncic is your man. And Dragic is hell of a NBA star back court player. But is that enough to make him Kings #2 overall pick?

Yes. He makes everybody around him better and he's great in the pick-n-roll.

 

[Mass]

If you want taller more versatile Goran Dragic then Luka Doncic is your man. And Dragic is hell of a NBA star back court player. But is that enough to make him Kings #2 overall pick? As this mock draft vid shows 19 year old has likely better overall talent than Dragic (at least as the youngster develops in NBA) but for me best right where shown (#4). Unless Kings swing deal with Memphis - I say look elsewhere at #2. Porter or Bagley or certainly Ayton if Phoenix defaults. Of course in this route Atlanta takes Doncic and becomes mute point.

Yes it is. These are the last 20 number 2 picks:

Ball
Ingram
Russell
J. Parker
Oladipo
Kidd-Gilchrist
D. Williams
E. Turner
Thabeet
Beasley
Durant
Aldridge
M. Williams
Okafor
Milicic
J. Williams
T. Chandler
Swift
Francis
Bibby

A better version of Dragic, who is an NBA All Star is a much better player than 90/95% of this list. It's not a given that at 2 you pick up a franchise player. Actually, it's the opposite.
Personally I'm tired of busts. I'm tired of players full of "potential" that we fail to develop. I want smart, intelligent players for once. We have Boogie. Good. We can add Doncic, who in the worst case scenario will be a very good NBA player and in the best case a superstar. But hey, we are the Kings. Let's pick MPJ, he could be the next Durant if everything goes well. Or he could be a Jay Williams if everything goes wrong. Bagley! The next AD! Or the next Derrick Williams.

 

[Kings Faithful]

The matchup nightmares you could create with Fox-Mason-Buddy-Bogdon-Doncic gets me really excited....

 

[VF21]

The matchup nightmares you could create with Fox-Mason-Buddy-Bogdon-Doncic gets me really excited....

Wouldn't that be nice for a change?

 

[Bosnian Diehard]

On the subject of Euros, Muza should be the first one off the board after Luka. He should go in the lottery, that kid is talented. He is a very good athlete, even by NBA standards, and he is skilled. Ginobili is actually a decent comparison for him, since people love comparing Euros to other Euros. I would love to get another pick to slot him in at SF if we don't take a SF at 2.

Pretty much spot except Ginobili is South American

 

[206Fan]

Pretty much spot except Ginobili is South American

Just curious, does Manu consider himself an Italian-Argentinian, or just Argentinian?

 

[206Fan]

I believe Doncic is playing game 2 today. Not sure of the time.. but I'll post it when I find out

 

[Bosnian Diehard]

Just curious, does Manu consider himself an Italian-Argentinian, or just Argentinian?

Good question and I’m not too sure what’s the answer. Maybe his time with the Argentinian NT causes him to lean towards the latter?

 

[VF21]

Just curious, does Manu consider himself an Italian-Argentinian, or just Argentinian?

Good question and I’m not too sure what’s the answer. Maybe his time with the Argentinian NT causes him to lean towards the latter?

I think we can consider that topic closed.

 

[sterö]

I believe Doncic is playing game 2 today. Not sure of the time.. but I'll post it when I find out

10:15pm over here, which should be 1:15pm PT

 

[Hallama]

Here's my prediction on how the Kings will end up with Donicic from this draft:

1. Trade in place with Pop for Kawhi on draft night (but not announced)
1A. Kawhi adamant he will not sign extension with Kings
2. Pop picks Luka
2B. Kawhi adamant he will not sign extension with Kings
3. Trade falls apart after Kings insist on adding Papagannis to the deal (Papa is retained on draft night for a 2020 1st round pick, unprotected)
3B. Kawhi adamant he will not sign extension with Kings
4. Pop nixes trade
4B. Kawhi open to sign extension with Kings
5. Kings keep Doncic, who becomes 15x all-star + 6 'ships

Thank you, Pop.

 

[ockingsfan]

If you want taller more versatile Goran Dragic then Luka Doncic is your man. And Dragic is hell of a NBA star back court player. But is that enough to make him Kings #2 overall pick? As this mock draft vid shows 19 year old has likely better overall talent than Dragic (at least as the youngster develops in NBA) but for me best right where shown (#4). Unless Kings swing deal with Memphis - I say look elsewhere at #2. Porter or Bagley or certainly Ayton if Phoenix defaults. Of course in this route Atlanta takes Doncic and becomes mute point.

The more I watch Doncic and his court vision, shooting and presence, IMHO I see a modern day Larry Bird.

Someone that can just pick apart their opponents and get open looks for teammates at 6'8/6'9". And if you want to leave him open, he will nail the jumper right in your face. Most of the time when you have a player with Doncic court vision, you don't get the shooting (i.e. Lonzo Ball, Rubio), with Doncic you get the court vision and the scoring.

 

[Folsomkingsfan]

Here's my prediction on how the Kings will end up with Donicic from this draft:

1. Trade in place with Pop for Kawhi on draft night (but not announced)
1A. Kawhi adamant he will not sign extension with Kings
2. Pop picks Luka
2B. Kawhi adamant he will not sign extension with Kings
3. Trade falls apart after Kings insist on adding Papagannis to the deal (Papa is retained on draft night for a 2020 1st round pick, unprotected)
3B. Kawhi adamant he will not sign extension with Kings
4. Pop nixes trade
4B. Kawhi open to sign extension with Kings
5. Kings keep Doncic, who becomes 15x all-star + 6 'ships

Thank you, Pop.

Between the rumors that we are interested in trading our #2 pick for a guy who very obviously will not resign here after next season and that we are targeting a guy with multiple injury issues who hasn't played since high school at #2 I really think I may go blind from rolling my eyes so much.