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Information is everywhere in the waning moments before the 2018 NBA Draft and that includes various mock draft scenarios making the rounds. However, a (very) interesting report came to light on Tuesday evening that places great emphasis on a potential partnership between the Atlanta Hawks and Slovenian prospect Luka Doncic.
Luka Doncic has moved to forefront of Atlanta's internal conversation on the third overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, league sources tell ESPN. Michigan State's Jaren Jackson and Duke's Marvin Bagley (if Kings pass on Bagley at No. 2) remain in contention for No. 3.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2018
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN brings word that Doncic “has moved to the forefront” for the Hawks at this stage, even while noting that the Hawks are still considering both Michigan State’s Jaren Jackson Jr. and Duke’s Marvin Bagley III. Beyond that, Jonathan Givony of ESPN echoes a similar sentiment, while projecting Doncic to Atlanta in a mock draft update.
Been hearing similar stuff as Woj here the last few hours. There's reportedly a growing movement within the Atlanta Hawks organization that they should go with Luka Doncic here, though nothing is finalized yet. Latest mock draft update now reflects that https://t.co/hpiDE2e70Y https://t.co/uIBEaOAZhy
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 20, 2018
For quite a while, the possibility of Doncic slipping to No. 3 has been entertained in basketball circles but this marks the most definitive reporting of Atlanta’s interest in the reigning EuroLeague MVP and the most prominent news-breaker in the sport brings a layer of added credence to the proceedings.
Of course, it has to be noted that the Sacramento Kings would have the opportunity to select Doncic at No. 2 overall, thus taking the decision out of Travis Schlenk’s hands. Still, this nugget of information could set the stage for the most likely potential outcome for Thursday evening and, if true, the Hawks could be preparing to tab Luka Doncic as a potential centerpiece of the franchise moving forward.
Stay tuned.