Kings' Missed Opportunity: Why Not Luka Doncic?

The 2018 NBA Draft is one that Sacramento Kings fans probably try to forget. With the second overall pick, they had a chance to draft a generational talent in Luka Dončić. But, alas, they passed on him. The question that still echoes today is: why didn't the Kings draft Luka? To really get into it, we have to dive deep into the context of the Kings at the time, the scouting reports on Luka, and the other players who were in the mix.

The Kings' Situation in 2018

In 2018, the Sacramento Kings were, to put it kindly, a team in disarray. They hadn't made the playoffs since 2006, and their roster was a mishmash of young players and veterans who didn't quite fit together. The Kings were desperate for a franchise cornerstone, someone who could lead them back to relevance. They had been drafting high for years, but none of their picks had panned out as hoped. There was Buddy Hield, De'Aaron Fox, and a few others, but the team lacked a clear direction. Their front office was also in a state of flux, with multiple changes in coaches and general managers over the years. This instability made it difficult to establish a consistent long-term plan. The Kings needed a player who could not only score but also bring leadership and stability to the team. The pressure was on to make the right pick and change the trajectory of the franchise. The hope was that this draft would finally bring the savior they desperately needed to end their playoff drought and bring excitement back to Sacramento. The atmosphere around the team was one of cautious optimism mixed with a heavy dose of skepticism, given their history of draft disappointments. They needed a player who could not only perform well on the court but also handle the pressure of being the face of the franchise in a demanding market. The Kings' situation was a complex blend of talent, potential, and organizational challenges, all of which played a role in their decision-making process during the 2018 NBA Draft.

Scouting Reports on Luka Dončić

Luka Dončić was a well-known prospect coming into the 2018 NBA Draft, but some scouts had concerns about his game translating to the NBA. Luka was tearing it up in Europe, playing for Real Madrid and winning EuroLeague MVP. However, some NBA teams worried about his athleticism and whether he'd be able to create separation against NBA defenders. Scouts questioned his speed and explosiveness, wondering if he could consistently drive to the basket and finish against bigger, more athletic players. There were also concerns about his defense. While he was a smart player, his lack of elite athleticism raised questions about his ability to guard quicker NBA guards and wings. Some scouts felt that he might be a defensive liability, particularly in switch-heavy schemes. On the positive side, everyone raved about Luka's basketball IQ, court vision, and passing ability. He had an uncanny ability to read the game and make the right play, whether it was a pinpoint pass to a teammate or a timely shot. His feel for the game was off the charts, and many believed he had the potential to be a great playmaker in the NBA. His shooting was also a strength, though some wondered if he could consistently hit shots from NBA range. Despite these concerns, Luka's accomplishments in Europe were undeniable. He had proven himself against top competition and had a track record of winning. This made him an intriguing prospect, but the questions about his athleticism and defense gave some teams pause. Ultimately, the scouting reports on Luka Dončić were a mixed bag, with concerns about his athleticism and defense balanced by his exceptional basketball IQ and playmaking ability. It was up to each team to weigh these factors and decide whether he was the right fit for their organization.

Why the Kings Passed: Drafting Marvin Bagley III

Instead of drafting Luka Dončić, the Kings selected Marvin Bagley III with the second overall pick. This decision is still debated and criticized by many. Why Bagley? Well, at the time, Bagley was seen as a high-potential scorer and rebounder. He had a great freshman season at Duke, showcasing his athleticism and ability to score in the paint. The Kings' front office reportedly loved Bagley's work ethic and believed he had the potential to be a dominant force in the NBA. They saw him as a player who could immediately contribute on offense and provide the team with a much-needed scoring boost. There were also reports that some within the Kings' organization were concerned about Luka's fit alongside De'Aaron Fox, who was already the team's primary ball-handler. They worried that Luka and Fox might not be able to coexist effectively and that drafting Luka could stunt Fox's growth. In contrast, Bagley was seen as a player who could complement Fox's game without taking the ball out of his hands too much. He was expected to be a reliable scorer and rebounder who could thrive alongside Fox in the Kings' up-tempo offense. Additionally, some believe that the Kings were swayed by Bagley's athleticism and perceived upside. While Luka was seen as a more polished player, Bagley was viewed as someone with more untapped potential. The Kings may have believed that with the right development, Bagley could become a superstar.

The Aftermath: Hindsight is 20/20

Looking back, it's clear that the Kings made a mistake by passing on Luka Dončić. Luka has become one of the best players in the NBA, a perennial All-Star, and an MVP candidate. He has led the Dallas Mavericks to playoff contention and has proven to be a generational talent. Marvin Bagley III, on the other hand, has struggled to live up to expectations. He has shown flashes of potential, but injuries and inconsistent play have hampered his development. He was eventually traded to the Detroit Pistons, failing to make a significant impact in Sacramento. The decision to draft Bagley over Luka has become a symbol of the Kings' struggles and their inability to build a consistent winner. It's a reminder of how crucial it is to make the right decisions in the draft and how a single pick can change the course of a franchise. The Kings' missed opportunity with Luka Dončić will likely be a topic of discussion for years to come, a cautionary tale of what can happen when a team overthinks the draft process and fails to recognize a truly special talent.

Could Luka and Fox have coexisted?

One of the arguments against drafting Luka was the potential fit with De'Aaron Fox. However, many believe that the two players could have thrived together. Fox is a lightning-quick point guard who excels in transition, while Luka is a masterful playmaker who can create opportunities for his teammates in the half-court. Together, they could have formed a dynamic duo that would have been difficult for opposing defenses to contain. Luka's ability to play off the ball and knock down shots would have complemented Fox's driving ability, while Fox's speed and athleticism would have opened up the floor for Luka to operate. They could have taken turns initiating the offense, keeping defenses guessing and creating mismatches. Furthermore, Luka's presence would have taken some of the pressure off Fox, allowing him to develop at his own pace. With Luka handling some of the playmaking responsibilities, Fox could have focused on scoring and improving his efficiency. Together, they could have elevated the Kings to a new level and ended their playoff drought. While there would have been some adjustments and compromises required, the potential upside of having two such talented players on the same team was simply too great to pass up.

Final Thoughts

The Kings' decision not to draft Luka Dončić remains one of the biggest what-ifs in recent NBA history. While there were valid reasons for their choice at the time, the benefit of hindsight makes it clear that they made a mistake. Luka's exceptional talent and potential were evident, and the Kings missed out on a chance to transform their franchise. The Kings are still trying to find their way back to relevance, and the ghost of Luka Dončić will likely haunt them for years to come. The story serves as a valuable lesson for all NBA teams: when in doubt, bet on talent and don't overthink the fit. Sometimes, the best player available is simply too good to pass up. Hopefully, the Kings have learned from their mistakes and will make wiser decisions in future drafts. Only time will tell if they can finally build a winning team and escape the shadow of the Luka Dončić draft.