With the #3 pick (!) in the 2018 draft, the Mavs get Luka Doncic

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Here's the thing: Kidd's sprinting speed was really good (above average), but that wouldn't mean anything if he couldn't dribble. He had excellent handles and was one of the most dangerous guys in the open court and even beat faster PGs up the court because of his excellent handles and high drive. Doesn't matter if you can run fast if you can't keep the dribble alive while you do it. Even the threat of his fast break changed the defense and it made him dangerous, even when he couldn't hit the three and just like Doncic, teams didn't just have to predict where he was going, but also where his teammates were because he was just as adept at the pass.

Kidd's lateral quickness (side to side) was BELOW average at the combine, which should have been a red flag for his defense and yet basketball is so much more about intelligence, teamwork, prediction, and quick mental decision making-- all of which Kidd is superb at. We all know Kidd was perhaps the best defensive guard in the league and is up there with Gary Payton as best defensive PG ever. Maybe his raw athleticism wasn't there, but they aren't a great measure of the total player. Kidd was not a below average defender like his measurements may have implied. He was one of the best of all time.

Kidd also had excellent height (6'4") for his position and good strength.

Now back to Doncic, which is what the whole thread is (supposedly) about. Doncic has good height and decent strength. He also has those immeasurable underlying skills that Kidd had. The fact that Kidd didn't have the entire physical package makes me optimistic about Doncic's ability to be successful on both ends of the court.

Very nicely put and exactly how I see it.

I think the Mavs FO feels that Doncic is a pure natural basketball player like Kidd and that is why they moved up to get him. The guy probably slept with a basketball most of his childhood and seems to have a passion for the game much like Kidd and Dirk.

The point has been in the Doncic comparison to Kidd is that he has many of the attributes as Kidd in terms of skills, talent, BBIQ, BB savvy competitiveness, assertiveness, leadership, charisma and overall love for the game. I don't think athleticism is a big part of his game like many other former and current stars lack as well.