Even Luka Doncic’s most fervent supporters ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft couldn’t have expected this type of performance through two seasons, because it’s in the most extreme range of outcomes possible. Doncic is on his way to being a historically great player already, and the three teams who passed on him in 2018 are being roundly mocked once again. But Doncic’s first playoff experience is also illustrating one reason he was doubted in the draft.
When Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer came on Locked On Suns shortly after that draft, he alluded to something that was in the ether before but I hadn’t heard stated clearly: That there was concern among Suns leadership over how Doncic and Devin Booker would mesh.