Luka Doncic came into the NBA as a EuroLeague MVP, but he was still questioned by many if he could keep up with the NBA. Four years later, those doubts have all disappeared as Luka has emerged to be a superstar. And the Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, (who had been doubtful about drafting Bronny James, the son of LeBron James), knew this the first time he watched him play.
Luka was selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA draft, but he was traded to the Mavs in exchange for Trae Young. He has blossomed into a superstar and he is the face of the franchise. He has been in the MVP conversation since his second year and he has put up some legendary performances in the playoffs.
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Mavs owner knew that this kid was special, and he did everything in his power to get him.
Mark Cuban knew he had to sign Luka Doncic after seeing him for the first time
Cuban was recently on the Dan Patrick show and he was asked about Luka. He was asked about the first time he saw Luka play. He said, ” Yeah. I watched a video of him playing against the Thunder and Russell Westbrook when he was 17.”
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“It was obvious that the kid could play and so then it was a question of, okay, will we be able to draft him? Where will our draft spot be?”
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The Mavs had the fifth pick in the draft, and they were convinced they would not be able to get Luka if they didn’t move up. So Cuban got on the phone with the Hawks owner to work out a deal where they could land Luka. The Hawks were okay with getting Trae Young and a future first-round pick. And that trade has worked out pretty well for them as well.
But the Mavs got what they wanted and they couldn’t be happier. After a tremendous rookie year, Luka has been able to take his game to the next level. He has led the Mavs to the playoffs without much help.
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The Mavs will need to find the right co-star to play next to Luka. Then the Mavericks, who already are a dangerous team, can become title favorites.