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Dallas Mavericks: Who is Luka Doncic and how would he fit the Mavs?

By Lorenzo Almanza

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 18: The Dallas Mavericks Dancers perform at American Airlines Center on October 18, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 18: The Dallas Mavericks Dancers perform at American Airlines Center on October 18, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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With the NBA draft just days away, rumors linking Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks are starting to gain momentum. So who is this guy?

Bleacher Report recently reported that the Dallas Mavericks have their eyes set on European guard Luka Doncic. While Doncic may not be a necessity for the team at the moment, his talent level can not get overlooked as he has the potential to be a star.

The idea of drafting Doncic sounds like a steal, but the question remains:

Who is the European guard?

Doncic started his young basketball career when he signed with the Spanish professional basketball team – Real Madrid.

He became the youngest player on the team when he made his debut at the age of 16.

In his first season with the team, Doncic played in  just three games after being called up in April. His minutes were very limited, but that would just be the start of his European adventure.

Doncic finished first in free throws made, eighth in three points made and third in player total points.

The following season, Doncic saw an increase in his role with the team. During the 2015-2016 season, the young guard averaged a mere 4.7 points per game in just 13.3 minutes in under 43 games.

His 2016-2017 campaign revealed the kind of talent Doncic contains. In 67 games that season, he averaged 7.8 points per game to go with 4.4 rebounds and 3.7 rebounds. That year, he finished 10th in the league assist category.

This past season, Doncic broke out his real, true talent. During the 2017-2018 campaign, the European guard received the league’s MVP award.

Doncic finished first in free throws made, eighth in three points made and third in player total points.

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His increase in points, assists, rebounds and field goal percentage all paved way into Doncic’s MVP campaign throughout the season.

At 6’6 the European League MVP has the ability to play point guard, shooting guard and even a little bit of small forward.

With his intangibles and versatility to play various positions, Doncic has drawn comparison to Philadelphia 76ers player, Ben Simmons, who plays both guard and forward.

There are plenty of questions Dallas would  have to answer if they do draft Doncic.

For instances some inquiries would wonder: What will happen to Wes Matthews? or Dennis Smith Jr.?

Can Doncic play the role of a true shooting guard? What makes the European guard more valuable than a big man?

Next: Dallas Mavericks 2018 Mock Draft: All Three Picks

While the question of who Dallas will draft still remains, one thing the team does know is that Doncic has the ability to be the next true guard if given the right opportunity.

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