The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: The Draft Lottery is Set

By Kohl Rast

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: A general view of the NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum during the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: A general view of the NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum during the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 17
Next

3. 125. . . SG/SF. Luka Doncic

SEAN BUSH: In my opinion, Luka Doncic is the top prospect in this class. The Atlanta Hawks would be thrilled to see him fall to third in this scenario given the fact that they would likely consider taking him first overall. The Hawks desperately need an offensive playmaker and Doncic fits the bill.

Their young prospects like John Collins and Taurean Prince would benefit greatly from Doncic’s high basketball IQ and ability to see the floor. The pick-and-roll between Doncic and Collins could be potentially devastating for other teams. Luka Doncic would be the face of a newly transitioning franchise.

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 22: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season Round 28 game between Real Madrid and Zalgiris Kaunas at Wizink Arena on March 22, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 22: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season Round 28 game between Real Madrid and Zalgiris Kaunas at Wizink Arena on March 22, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images) /

The Hawks and coach Mike Budenholzer decided to part ways this offseason. Recently hired head coach Lloyd Pierce will be tasked with unlocking the Slovenian wonder boy’s full potential. Pierce has been an assistant for the Philadelphia 76ers for the past five seasons so he is no stranger to helping young blue-chip prospects grow into stars.

Doncic’s arrival would help to fully unlock Atlanta’s offense and his underrated team defense would fit in well next to their other athletic wings. Dennis Schroder’s attacking offensive style should help to take off some pressure from Doncic. However, Schroder’s inability to space the floor or defend at a high level could are not ideal qualities to have opposite of Luka Doncic.

Next: Memphis Grizzlies