Slovenian wonderteen and sure-fire top-three pick in the upcoming NBA draft Luka Dončić led his Real Madrid team to a EuroLeague title Sunday, in an 85-80 win over Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul. Doncic scored 15 points on eight shots, and after the game was named EuroLeague Final Four MVP.
It’s been an accolade-filled couple of days for Doncic: yesterday he was named EuroLeague MVP, and became the youngest player ever to win that award; today he became the first Slovenian to win a EuroLeague title and the youngest ever player to win the Final Four MVP. You could say he’s had a pretty bitchin’ season:
Dončić made some noise last week about potentially staying in Europe beyond this season, but that was probably about keeping everything focused on the remaining and all-important games in Real Madrid’s season. Anyway, now that there is virtually nothing left for him to accomplish at that level, it’s time for the springy lad to bring his Euro skills to the crucible of NBA competition. The Suns have the first overall pick in the draft, a new head coach with a preexisting and positive relationship with Dončić, and absolutely no reason whatsoever to prioritize one single player on their roster over the chance to draft a foundational talent. ESPN draftnik and Euro-knower Mike Schmitz picked Memphis as the optimal landing spot for Dončić, for purely basketball reasons, but wherever he lands, it’s time. Get this teen onto an NBA court, pronto.