2018 CSKA Moscow vs. Real Madrid

EuroLeague Watch: 5 Stupid Things Luka Doncic Can Do That Most People Can't

EuroLeague Watch: 5 Stupid Things Luka Doncic Can Do That Most People Can't

Luka Doncic is probably going to be a Phoenix Sun or Sacramento King, and judging by the clips below that's a very good thing for those teams.

May 16, 2018 by Hunter Sharpless
EuroLeague Watch: 5 Stupid Things Luka Doncic Can Do That Most People Can't

Yesterday we took a deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of Luka Doncic, the 19-year-old Slovenian phenom — those two words seem like they should be able to meld together, but I can’t find a way to do it — who in all probability will either be a Phoenix Sun or a Sacramento King come June 21. 

On Friday, you can watch Doncic in action as underdog Real Madrid take on CSKA Moscow in the EuroLeague semifinals, but before you do that you should probably be advised: this man does sick, unnatural things. 

Here are five of them:

1. Sink Game Winners Like It’s Not A Big Deal At All



The best part about this clip isn’t that he made a very NBA-looking step-back three, nor even that he dropped his defender, but instead it’s his two reactions. First, after making the shot, he turns around and gives a sort of kid-at-recess grin, bashful almost. Then he realizes there’s still time on the clock, and when the final heave from the opponent is obviously errant he nonchalantly walks over to his bench and hands out a couple high-fives. 

2. Break Ankles Like They’re Tiny LEGO Buildings



There are two crossovers here: the one at the top of the three-point line and then the real ankle-breaker at the free throw line. When the defender goes down in a heap, for some reason my memory flashed back to the childhood fun of building LEGO buildings just to subsequently destroy them. 

3. Pass Like LeBron James



Every one of these clips reveals more than one attribute in Doncic’s game, and here, in addition to the pass, you can see the Slovenian’s off-ball instincts and positioning pay off as he gets the steal.

That pass, though. As soon as he secures the ball he’s confronted by a defender mid-stride, so he sort of hops into the air and spins at the same time (is that even possible?) and goes behind the back for a perfect transition-inducing pass.

4. Attack Transition Like A Freight Train



When Doncic gets the ball, he goes. He launches straight down the court. He’s not as strong as LeBron James. He’s not as fast as Russell Westbrook. But he looks a mighty terror as he charges the defense.

5. Shoot From Full Court Because Screw Field Goal Percentage



One of the more deplorable habits in the NBA is when a player has a chance to throw up a buzzer-beater from all the way down the court but passes up on the opportunity because they don’t want their field goal percentage to go down. There’s always a chance it’ll go in! 

Look, we’re not trying to pretend like Doncic is a perfect player, or the next king of basketball, or anything like that. We’re just saying this: he’s very good, you can watch him right here on FloHoops, and whoever drafts this wizard is going to have a very good basketball player on their hands.

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