“What a day.”
What a day, indeed, coach.
Following all the trade rumors and draft speculation, the Mavericks get their man in Luka Doncic after swapping picks with the Atlanta Hawks.
“We got a guy that we think is a franchise foundation piece and so, it’s a really great day for the Mavericks organization,” Carlisle added in jubilation.
Rick Carlisle: “We’re very fortunate. Luka Doncic is the guy we targeted in this draft if there was any way possible to do it. … We get a guy that we think is a franchise foundation piece.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 22, 2018
The Hawks drafted Doncic for Dallas in the deal while the Mavs selected Trae Young at No. 5 for Atlanta.
“This deal we got done during the first pick…we’re very fortunate. Luka Doncic was the guy that we targeted to get in this draft, if there was any way possible to do it,” Rick Carlisle explained.
Dallas also sent a 2019 protected first round pick to Atlanta in the deal.
Atlanta and Dallas have agreed to a deal, league sources tell ESPN. They'll trade Nos. 3 and 5 picks, sending Luka Doncic to Dallas and Trae Young to Atlanta, sources said. Dallas will send Atlanta a future first.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2018
The 19-year old Slovenian comes to Dallas with years of experience playing overseas with Real Madrid. Just two days ago, Doncic and Real Madrid won the EuroLeague championship as Doncic earned the EuroLeague MVP and the EuroLeague Final Four MVP.
“This kid has won everything there is to win in European and International basketball. It’s unprecedented,” Carlisle said praising the accomplishments of Doncic.
When asked about what position he expects Doncic to play, Carlisle responded “I’m not sure what position he is. I think his position is on the floor.”
Luka joins a backcourt with last year’s rookie Dennis Smith Jr. Though, some may be skeptical of the fit between the two young playmakers, Rick isn’t concerned. “He’s the kind of player that is going to be able to virtually play with anybody. Dennis’ speed and rim-attacking ability will compliment Doncic’s spacing and playmaking ability.”
With that said, it seems as if DSJ relays the sentiment of his coach and is excited to hit the floor with his new running mate.
I’m a fan 💪🏿
— Dennis Smith Jr. (@Dennis1SmithJr) June 21, 2018
When the rumors starting swirling, it was thought that Wesley Matthews would be heading to Atlanta in return for Kent Bazemore. But with Matthews remaining on the roster, what does that make for the Mavericks starting five? Carlisle hinted at the future.
“I’d project him as a starter right now burn we’ll see where it goes.”
Mavericks fans can sleep well tonight knowing that Dallas may have just drafted the next franchise cornerstone. Next up? Free agency.
“July 1st is right around the corner, bro,” Carlisle joked when asked what the team would do at the big man position.
Right around the corner, it is. Drafting Doncic is just the beginning to what will be an eventful summer for the Mavericks.
Welcome, Luka!
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