2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Perhaps the best prospect in the 2017 NBA Draft is Slovenian shooting guard Luka Doncic. Doncic is a rising star for Real Madrid of Spain’s Liga ACB, breaking the European mold and earning big minutes at just 18 years of age.

Cleaning up with awards all over Europe, Doncic is widely regarded as a prospect with legitimate superstar potential in the NBA.

The 18-year-old Doncic is a 6’8″ shooting guard with a skill set that’s comparable to San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili. That may seem like an easy reach, but he’s an outstanding passer with a strong outside shot and the creativity to drive the lane against more athletic players.

For perspective, Doncic appeared in 67 games in 2016-17 and averaged 14.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes.

Nothing influenced those numbers more than his proficiency in running the pick and roll, which is the premier play in the modern NBA era.

In a European system that rarely allows young players big minutes—no matter their skill level—Doncic is already a high-volume player on, perhaps, the best team in Spain. That alone is a testament to just how special a talent he is, and how much room he still has to grow.

If a team were to select Doncic at No. 1 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, it would be getting a shooting guard with elite size, a spectacular skill set, and the athleticism of an NBA 2.

Doncic is a special talent who can take coaching and become one of the best players in the NBA.