Luka Doncic made his NBA debut as the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Initially drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, he was quickly traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young, who had been selected with the fifth pick in the same draft. It is believed that Atlanta hoped Young would develop into a Steph Curry level shooter and playmaker, while Dallas has a history of success with European talent. Prior to joining the NBA, Doncic played professional basketball in Europe, specifically with Real Madrid, one of the best teams outside of the NBA.
Since the trade, Doncic has blossomed into one of the best players in the league, boasting a three-level scoring ability, as well as exceptional self-creation, playmaking, and rebounding skills. On the other hand, Young has stagnated as a star scorer and playmaker, with significant concerns surrounding his defensive capabilities.
The difference between the two players has led to debates about the merits of the trade and whether Atlanta made the right choice. In the years since the trade, fans have theorized about what might have happened if the teams had kept their original picks and whether the outcome would have been different if Doncic had remained with the Hawks.
Ultimately, it’s impossible to say how things would have unfolded if the trade hadn’t occurred. What is clear, however, is that both Doncic and Young have made substantial impacts on their respective teams and have shown great potential as young NBA stars.
As their careers continue to develop, it will be interesting to see how Doncic and Young evolve and adapt their games. With every season, their skills are likely to improve, making them even more formidable forces within the league and providing fans with exciting games and highlights to enjoy.
