Hawks Draft Luka Dončić: What If?

What if the Atlanta Hawks had drafted Luka Dončić in 2018? It's a question that still haunts many NBA fans, especially those in Atlanta. The Hawks ended up selecting Trae Young with the 3rd overall pick, while Dončić slipped to the Dallas Mavericks at number 5.

We all know how the story unfolded: Trae Young has become a dynamic offensive force, a fan favorite, and the face of the franchise. Luka Dončić, on the other hand, has transformed into an MVP-caliber player, single-handedly carrying the Mavericks to playoff contention. The debate rages on: who was the right pick? And what would have happened if the Hawks had gone with the Slovenian sensation?

Let's dive deep into this alternate reality, exploring the potential impact of Luka Dončić on the Atlanta Hawks and how it might have reshaped the NBA landscape. It's a fascinating thought experiment that examines player development, team building, and the butterfly effect of a single draft decision.

The 2018 NBA Draft: A Pivotal Moment

The 2018 NBA Draft is widely considered a landmark event, particularly for the top of the draft class. The Atlanta Hawks held the 3rd overall pick, a position of immense power and potential. They were coming off a disappointing season and looking to kickstart a rebuild. The consensus top prospect was Deandre Ayton, a dominant center out of Arizona. But the real intrigue lay with the guards: Trae Young, the electrifying, sharpshooting point guard from Oklahoma, and Luka Dončić, the European phenom who had dominated in Spain's Liga ACB and the EuroLeague.

Dončić, at just 19 years old, was already a seasoned professional, boasting an NBA-ready skillset and a mature game that belied his age. He was lauded for his incredible court vision, his masterful ball-handling, his scoring ability, and his clutch gene. He played with a poise and IQ that was simply unheard of for someone so young. Scouts and analysts alike were captivated by his unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ. He was seen as a player who could immediately impact an organization and elevate the play of those around him. His passing ability, in particular, was considered generational, capable of unlocking defenses and creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. His feel for the game was something that couldn't be taught, a rare commodity that often separates good players from truly great ones. The comparisons to LeBron James, while perhaps premature, were starting to be whispered in draft rooms around the league, a testament to the immense potential he displayed.

Trae Young, on the other hand, was a different kind of prospect. He was an explosive scorer, a wizard with the basketball, and a deep-range shooter who could change the game with his offensive firepower. His detractors worried about his size and defensive limitations, but his offensive ceiling was undeniable. He possessed a fearless mentality and a knack for making spectacular plays. The Hawks, under new management, seemed to be leaning towards a rebuild centered around a dynamic, ball-dominant point guard who could create his own shot and orchestrate the offense. The city of Atlanta had a history of embracing flashy, offensive-minded guards, and Young seemed to fit that mold perfectly. The buzz around Young was palpable, with many believing he had the potential to become the next great scoring point guard in the league. His ability to pull up from anywhere on the court and his uncanny court vision made him a constant threat, and his energy was infectious. The team was looking for a player with star potential, someone who could energize the fanbase and lead the franchise into a new era, and Young seemed to embody that potential. The decision was far from easy, with two incredibly talented players available, each with their own unique strengths and potential weaknesses. It was a classic dilemma, and the outcome would have far-reaching implications.

The Hawks' Decision: Trae Young Over Luka Dončić

Ultimately, the Atlanta Hawks opted for Trae Young at number 3. This decision was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Many fans were thrilled to add a dynamic, hometown hero (Young played college ball at nearby Oklahoma) with incredible offensive upside. Others questioned passing on Dončić, who many considered the safer and more polished pick. The trade that brought Young to Atlanta involved a pick swap with the Dallas Mavericks, which is a detail that adds another layer of intrigue to this story.

The rationale behind the Hawks' decision was multifaceted. Reports at the time suggested that the Hawks' scouting department was divided. Some saw Dončić as a generational talent with a sky-high ceiling, while others expressed concerns about his athleticism and defensive capabilities at the NBA level. The team was reportedly more enamored with Young's explosive scoring potential and his ability to create his own shot, believing he was a better fit for their offensive system. There was also a narrative that the Hawks were looking for a player who could be the undisputed primary ball-handler and shot-creator from day one, and Young's skillset seemed to align perfectly with that vision. The