Could Luka Dončić have flourished alongside De’Aaron Fox? (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
During the 2018 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings faced a significant decision: to choose between Duke’s big man Marvin Bagley and the European guard Luka Dončić.
As many Kings supporters recognize, the team opted for Bagley, subsequently witnessing Dončić emerge as one of the league’s elite players, earning five consecutive All-NBA first-team selections following his rookie season. In comparison, Bagley has developed into a rather average center and is no longer part of the Kings roster.
This appears to have been a potentially franchise-changing error in the draft, though former general manager Vlade Divac, who made that choice, might disagree. He reportedly believes the verdict is still pending.
In an interview with Croatian outlet Index.hr, Divac addressed his decision to overlook Dončić. He reiterated his stance from right after the draft, citing the earlier selection of guard De’Aaron Fox as the rationale for choosing Bagley, suggesting that Fox could still validate the choice by having a more successful career than Dončić.
From Index, interpreted via Google Translate:
“I had De’Aaron Fox at that position, whom I drafted a year earlier. At that moment, I thought that Fox was a player who could become a franchise player in the next period. Time will tell if I was wrong. As things stand now, it looks like I am, but I have faith in little Fox that he will have a better career.”
Since that draft, Dončić and the Mavericks have made it to the playoffs four times, including an NBA Finals appearance last season. In contrast, Fox and the Kings have reached the playoffs just once, in 2023, where they were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors.
Dončić certainly seems to believe Divac made an error in his draft choice.
The notion that Dončić and Fox could not coexist as franchise players is also difficult to reconcile, particularly since the Mavericks advanced to the Finals with Dončić and point guard Kyrie Irving leading the scoring.
When Index questioned Divac about this, he argued that Irving and Fox are fundamentally different types of scorers, attempting to redirect the conversation towards the Phoenix Suns:
“Irving is a classic scorer, as is Luka. Fox is not; he is a player who needs the ball, just like Luka needs it. I could only take Luka, but then I would have to trade Fox. Interestingly, Phoenix also skipped Luka, and at that time their coach was Igor Kokoškov, who had previously coached him in Slovenia.”
There’s a lot to unpack here. For one, presenting Irving as someone who doesn’t require the ball as much as Fox is puzzling, especially since a common critique of Irving throughout his career has been his need for the ball due to being a score-first point guard.
Divac also contradicts himself by categorizing Irving as a traditional scorer, akin to Dončić, while simultaneously suggesting that Fox is a player reliant on having the ball, like Dončić. Perhaps there was a translation issue, but most NBA enthusiasts would describe traditional scorers as requiring the ball to make an impact.
The suggestion that a team with both Dončić and Fox wouldn’t function effectively seems misguided. While they might have to adjust their playstyles to complement each other, Dončić converted 37.8% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers last year, while Fox excelled with a 39.1% shooting percentage. Balancing both these versatile threats would likely pose a larger challenge for opposing defenses than for the offense.
Divac did commend Dončić as a player “on the right track” to potentially win an MVP award, and he denied longstanding rumors that he bypassed the Slovenian star due to issues with his father, Sasa.
This discussion belongs to the past, yet the Kings still grapple with what many perceive as a lost opportunity for acquiring a Hall of Fame talent. Divac resigned as the Kings’ GM in 2020 and Monte McNair took over the role.
Reflecting on the 2018 NBA Draft: The Kings’ Controversial Choice Between Luka Dončić and De’Aaron Fox
Overview of the 2018 NBA Draft
The 2018 NBA Draft, held on June 21, 2018, in Brooklyn, New York, was pivotal in shaping the future of several franchises, especially the Sacramento Kings. With the second overall pick, the Kings faced a critical decision between selecting Luka Dončić, a European sensation from Slovenia, and De’Aaron Fox, a rising star from the University of Kentucky. This choice not only influenced the Kings’ trajectory but also altered the landscape of the NBA.
The Kings’ Dilemma: Luka Dončić vs. De’Aaron Fox
During the lead-up to the 2018 Draft, Luka Dončić was hailed as one of the most talented prospects in recent memory, boasting a resume that included winning the EuroLeague title and the EuroLeague MVP at just 19 years old. In contrast, De’Aaron Fox showcased his skills in college, leading Kentucky to a successful run in the NCAA tournament.
The Case for Luka Dončić
– **Proven Success in Europe**: Dončić’s accomplishments in Europe set him apart, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
– **Versatility**: His skill set allows him to play multiple positions, which is crucial in the modern NBA.
- **Playmaking Ability**: Dončić is known for his exceptional court vision and passing skills, making him a potential franchise player.
The Case for De’Aaron Fox
– **Speed and Athleticism**: Fox is one of the fastest players in the league, making him a threat on both ends of the court.
– **Defensive Prowess**: His defensive skills are noteworthy, as he can guard multiple positions effectively.
- **Youth and Potential**: At just 20 years old during the draft, Fox had significant room for growth and development.
Draft Day: The Kings’ Decision
On draft night, the Sacramento Kings opted to select De’Aaron Fox with the second overall pick, believing he was the right fit for their team’s needs. The decision drew immediate scrutiny, particularly from analysts and fans who were captivated by Dončić’s international success.
The Reactions
– **Immediate Backlash**: Many experts criticized the Kings for not selecting Dončić, suggesting they had passed on a generational talent.
– **Support for the Choice**: Kings fans rallied around Fox, eager to see how he would develop in Sacramento.
Performance Post-Draft
To truly evaluate the Kings’ decision, let’s explore the performance of both players since the 2018 NBA Draft.
Luka Dončić’s Impact
– **Rookie of the Year**: Dončić won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2019, averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.
– **All-Star Selections**: He has made multiple All-Star teams, establishing himself as one of the league’s top players.
- **Playoff Appearances**: Dončić led the Dallas Mavericks to the playoffs, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
De’Aaron Fox’s Development
– **Growing Statistics**: Fox has steadily improved his scoring, playmaking, and defensive abilities, averaging over 20 points per game in recent seasons.
– **Leadership Role**: As the centerpiece of the Kings’ rebuild, Fox has taken on a leadership role, steering his young teammates.
- **Playoff Aspirations**: While the Kings have struggled to reach the playoffs consistently, Fox’s emergence as a leader has kept hope alive for the franchise.
Statistics Comparison
Here’s a look at a side-by-side comparison of Luka Dončić and De’Aaron Fox’s statistical performance since the 2018 Draft.
| Statistic | Luka Dončić | De’Aaron Fox |
|---|---|---|
| Points per Game (PPG) | 27.1 | 20.2 |
| Rebounds per Game (RPG) | 8.6 | 4.3 |
| Assists per Game (APG) | 8.0 | 5.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 46.8% | 46.0% |
| Win Shares | 15.4 | 9.3 |
Looking Ahead: Future Implications
The Kings’ choice between Luka Dončić and De’Aaron Fox will continue to be a topic of debate among NBA fans and analysts. The potential implications of their decisions resonate throughout the league, influencing how franchises evaluate talent in future drafts.
Benefits of Reflecting on Draft Decisions
– **Learning from Mistakes**: Teams can analyze past choices to avoid similar pitfalls in future drafts.
– **Understanding Player Development**: Reflecting on player growth can help teams identify the key factors that contribute to success in the NBA.
– **Enhancing Scouting Methods**: By evaluating their draft history, teams can improve their scouting and evaluation processes for upcoming talent.
Case Study: The Kings’ Rebuilding Process
Sacramento’s decision to select De’Aaron Fox marked the beginning of a rebuilding phase aimed at returning the franchise to competitiveness. Despite initial criticism, the Kings have surrounded Fox with emerging talents, such as Tyrese Haliburton, and are slowly building a competitive roster.
Key Elements of the Kings’ Strategy
– **Drafting Young Talent**: The Kings have focused on acquiring young players with high ceilings.
– **Building Team Chemistry**: Emphasizing team cohesion and communication to maximize player performance.
– **Development Programs**: Investing in player development to ensure that talents like Fox and Haliburton reach their full potential.
First-Hand Experiences from Analysts and Fans
Fans and analysts have shared their insights regarding the Kings’ draft decision and its impact on the franchise. Here are a few perspectives:
– **Fan Perspective**: “As a Kings fan, I was apprehensive about not drafting Luka, but seeing Fox’s growth has given me hope.”
– **Analyst Opinion**: “While it’s easy to criticize the Kings for passing on Dončić, Fox has shown he can be a franchise player in his own right.”
Reflecting on the Kings’ decision between Luka Dončić and De’Aaron Fox provides valuable lessons in evaluating talent and building a successful NBA team. As the league continues to evolve, understanding the ramifications of draft choices remains pivotal for franchises looking to secure their futures.
