NBA Draft prospect profile: Luka Doncic – Human Rorschach Test
By Noah Schulte
As the most decorated teenager in European basketball history prepares for the NBA draft, questions about how Luka Doncic can translate to the American game have sparked an interesting debate about the way we evaluate prospects.
Luka Doncic has become somewhat of an NBA Rorschach test. Depending on how you look at him, you might see one of the next great wings, capable of leading an elite offense with high-level playmaking, crafty shot creation, and stellar efficiency.
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Or you might see him as another Euro bust. Too soft and un-athletic to handle the rigor of the NBA. Overwhelmed by the physicality and skill in the States.
It’s just as possible you see him as nothing more than a slightly above-average role player who, while not a bust, definitely doesn’t deserve to sniff the number one pick.
Either way, his accomplishments overseas are undeniable.
At 19 he became the youngest MVP in Euroleague history (which is no small feat). In last summer’s EuroBasket, he and Goran Dragic led Slovenia to a gold medal. At this event, Luka Doncic earned All-Tournament team honors. And, he’s received accolades nearly every year of his career as a professional basketball player.
Whether his success in Europe can translate to the United States is the question on everyone’s mind as we make our way through the draft process.
Specifics:
Height: 6’8″
Weight: 228 lbs.
Wingspan: N/A
Position: Guard
Age: 19 years old
Team: Real Madrid
Stats:
- 14.5 points per game
- 5.2 rebounds per game
- 4.6 assists per game
- shooting 45.9% from the field
- 30.9% from three
- 80.1% from the free throw line.
Hometown: Ljubljana, Slovenia