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2018 NBA Draft: Luka Doncic news is a cautionary tale

By Tyler Watts

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 30: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid warms up prior to the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 30: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid warms up prior to the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 NBA Draft is still over a month away, but May 17 brought about a Luka Doncic story that should be a cautionary tale going forward.

The 2018 NBA Draft coverage is in full swing.  The lottery took place on May 15.  The Sacramento Kings jumped up and grabbed the second overall selection.  The combine is also going on, and the draft news is hot and heavy right now.

What happened with Luka Doncic on May 17 should be a cautionary tale to readers.  Let us examine the proceedings.

Backstory

Luka Doncic is a 19-year-old Slovenian who plays for Real Madrid in Spain.  Their season is still going on, and Doncic is a crucial piece of Madrid’s team.  He also figures to be a top NBA draft choice on June 21.  The draft questions are coming up and are likely a distraction for both Doncic and his teammates.

Related Story: Who should the Kings draft in 2018?

The Story

Eurohoops.net ran a story with quotes from Doncic that led some people to believe that he may stay in Europe next season.  You can read the full story here.  If true that would be significant news and could negatively impact his draft stock, but read the quote for yourself.  Doesn’t that sound like him deflecting a question about his future so he can focus on the present?

It takes on a new life

The stories exploded after that with a ton of click bait.  Everything from he was definitely not coming over next season to Doncic was attempting to sway which team drafted him by using his current team as leverage.  It was a media circus for a few hours.

Stepping back

It is important when you read a story like this to take a step back and think about what is actually happening.  In reality, nothing changed.  Doncic still has a few games to finish out his season with Real Madrid and will be a top NBA draft choice on June 21.  He likely fulfills his NBA dream next season too.

Let us wait for something definite, though.  Doncic commented in an interview that did not say or mean anything for certain.  He was likely trying to focus on the task at hand in a world where that seemingly gets a little harder every single day.

It is crucial that fans do not fall into traps this time of year.  There will be plenty of information out there, and some of it will be just looking to get clicks without substance.  In a few weeks, there will be no more playoff games and just talk about the offseason.  Do not get all worked up over a story that did not change a thing.

Final thoughts

The Sacramento Kings would still be wise to select Luka Doncic at second overall despite the news stories or lack thereof.  Doncic has point guard skills in a shooting guard’s body.  The young man is impressive.  If you have not watched him play yet, I recommend doing so as soon as possible.

Hopefully, the Kings get a game changing player at pick two and continue their upward trajectory next season.

Next: A look at 7 upcoming Kings free agency decisions

A Royal Pain will provide Sacramento Kings fans with all the 2018 NBA Draft content they desire.  Be sure to check back with us often, so you do not miss out on all the features and news.  Thank you for reading.

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