Former Suns PG Steve Nash: Luka Doncic ‘is a dream prospect’
Jun 18, 2018, 8:50 AM | Updated: 9:33 am
(AP photos)
(AP photos)
Former Phoenix Suns point guard and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash thinks highly of one of the top prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Speaking with Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania, Nash gave his take on Slovenian wing Luka Doncic as a prospect.
“I think Luka is a dream prospect,” Nash told Yahoo Sports. “Big and mobile enough in the modern game and can guard multiple positions. He has a skillset, a winning mentality and leadership qualities.”
Nash was represented by agent Bill Duffy, who also represents Doncic.
“This guy is the revisitation of Steve Nash,” Duffy said. “The talent, the work ethic, the team mindset, you would hate to be the one to pass on Luka. He has played in a physical setting for years and has dismantled NBA guys. He has a DNA to him and checks all of the boxes.”
Doncic discussed being compared to Nash and others to Charania.
“I see that from myself, to be like Steve Nash,” Doncic told Yahoo Sports. “But man, to be like Steve Nash I need to work so much. I like to see my teammates play better. I like to elevate them, and I know Steve Nash did that. It’s different to compare me to an NBA player like him because that is such a great, great level.
“My favorite player is LeBron. He’s just amazing — he can play from one through four, maybe even the five.”
Doncic paused for a moment.
“I wouldn’t mind LeBron as my comparison, actually,” he said with a laugh.
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The 19-year-old Doncic has seen his draft stock reportedly slip in past weeks, going from a near lock to be in the top-three to now potentially falling outside that range, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
Doncic has not worked out for any teams, including the Phoenix Suns, but that is due to the fact that he is still playing overseas.
After winning a EuroLeague title, Doncic is playing in the Liga ACB finals in Spain. Real Madrid holds a 2-1 series lead, and if they were to win in Game 4 of the series on Tuesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports he would attend the draft.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said during pre-draft workouts the team will attempt to make a face-to-face meeting with Doncic before the draft happen, but if not, plans to at least have an extended conversation with him over the phone.
Between the EuroLeague and Liga ACB. Doncic is averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 25.0 minutes per game.
