Many who watch the NBA would likely say that Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most exciting young player the Association has to offer. But according to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, an incoming rookie might even be ready to overtake him as the best international player.
That incoming rookie is none other than Luka Doncic, who landed in Dallas via a draft-day trade with Atlanta that sent Trae Young to the Hawks.
Check out this insanely high praise from the Greek Freak.
“He is the most exciting player that has appeared in basketball… in the recent years. I think he will have an immediate impact in the NBA,” Antetokounmpo said, per marca.com (h/t Eurohoops.com). Last season he won the Spanish League, the EuroLeague, the EuroBasket and he was also the MVP of the Final Four and the regular season. He has shown that he is ready to play and has matured faster than the rest players. He has played against professionals, as Charles Barkley said. People in the NBA sometimes forget that in the EuroLeague competition, they play very well and very hard. It’s harder than the NCAA. You have to be very good to stand out in the EuroLeague, and Luka is.”
Doncic arguably landed in the best possible situation he could have hoped for to achieve early success. He’ll be tutored at least for one season by none other than Dirk Nowitzki, who’s one of the best international players to ever play in the NBA. He’ll also play with promising point guard Dennis Smith Jr., who is an exciting young player in his own right.
The Mavericks pulled off a coup in their trade with Atlanta for this young Slovenian star, who appears to have a great shot at winning Rookie of the Year honors if he can stay healthy throughout the 2018-19 season.