Denver Nuggets Practically Traded for Luka Doncic in 2018 NBA Draft – Basketball Insiders

Luka Doncic is without doubt one of the most electrifying superstars of right this moment’s NBA. The Dallas Mavericks hit a house run once they traded for him within the 2018 NBA Draft. Nevertheless, Doncic got here considerably near a unique NBA future. A star-studded worldwide duo of Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic virtually got here to fruition in keeping with Mike Singer. 

“The Nuggets knew that Vlade Divac was not notably excessive on Luka Doncic,” stated Singer on The Hoop Collective Podcast. “And so they had designs on pairing Nikola Jokic with Luka Doncic. On draft night time in 2018, they tried. There was a name positioned. There was a proposal and the Nuggets tried to get the No. 2 decide for Gary Harris and two first spherical picks was what I used to be advised.

“You’ll be able to roll your eyes at that price ticket however look looking back. The Kings ended up taking Marvin Bagley with the No. 2 decide. I’m not saying this commerce was imminent. All I’m saying is that this commerce was mentioned and regarded as a result of the Nuggets knew Vlade Divac was not notably excessive on Luka Doncic they usually tried to take advantage of it.

“The wrinkle in that is if the Nuggets had ever been prepared to half with Jamal Murray, we’ve got a hell of a what-if within the annals of NBA historical past, however that didn’t occur.”

Dallas is coming off a season the place they made it to the NBA Finals. As for Denver, they’re two seasons faraway from successful their lone title in franchise historical past. With the latest struggles that Jamal Murray has displayed, one has to surprise how issues can be totally different for Luka Doncic and the Denver Nuggets right this moment.  

Denver Nuggets Practically Traded up in 2018 NBA Draft for Luka Doncic 

A “What if?” Situation for Doncic and the Denver Nuggets 

Each Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic have a robust relationship with one another. A part of it stems from their abroad connection. The NBA world has additionally seen the comradery between the 2 superstars on full show at NBA All-Star Weekend. Throughout stated weekend, hypothesis about Doncic ultimately teaming up with Jokic after the Nuggets celebrity opened the proverbial door for the Mavericks star to ultimately be a part of the Nuggets. A duo of Doncic and Jokic would have been fascinating.

It seems dominant on paper, however one additionally has to think about the chemistry between Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic is nearly unmatched. To not point out, there’s a chance that Jokic’s dominance may have hindered Doncic’s full potential in the event that they do workforce up on this dream state of affairs. It’s enjoyable to think about this chance. Nevertheless, the actual fact of the matter is that each Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are forging their very own legacies. Two legacies that may each be missed as soon as their careers are over. Nikola Jokic is now thought of the best participant in Denver franchise historical past. As for Doncic, he has the possibility to surpass Dirk Nowitzki as the best Dallas Mavericks participant earlier than his profession is alleged and completed.