An anonymous NBA executive has drawn comparisons between the decision to draft Deandre Ayton over Luka Doncic and one of basketball’s most infamous draft blunders.
Reflecting on the 2018 NBA Draft, where Ayton was selected first overall, the executive suggested that choosing Ayton over Doncic might one day be likened to the Portland Trail Blazers selecting Sam Bowie ahead of Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft, as reported by Marc Stein on Substack.
With Doncic’s stellar performance leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals this year, the executive’s remarks highlight the significance of the decision made by the Phoenix Suns in 2018.
Doncic’s impact on the Mavericks’ success has been undeniable, as he continues to solidify his position as one of the league’s premier talents.
In contrast, Ayton struggled to make a similar impact for the Suns or the Portland Trail Blazers, leading some to question the wisdom of their decision to pass on Doncic.
The executive’s comparison underscores the long-term implications of draft decisions and the potential ramifications of passing on transcendent talents like Doncic.
