The NBA draft is a high-stakes game of chance, where teams roll the dice and hope for the best. Even with meticulous scouting, there’s no guarantee of success. The 2018 draft is a prime example of how hindsight can be brutal. Two teams had the opportunity to snag a generational talent, but instead opted for other players. It’s mind-boggling that any franchise would pass on a prospect who had already achieved incredible success before entering the league.
One team’s decision to choose Marvin Bagley over Luka Doncic still has fans scratching their heads. The team’s GM at the time, Vlade Divac, seems to be in denial about the mistake. He points to De’Aaron Fox, a talented point guard, as a reason why they made the right choice. However, it’s laughable to suggest that Fox’s success somehow justifies passing on Luka.
The reality is that Luka has become a dominant force in the league, consistently playing at an MVP level. Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley is no longer with the team that drafted him. It’s clear that this was a franchise-altering mistake. The GM’s refusal to acknowledge the error only makes it worse.
The argument that Luka and Fox couldn’t coexist is also weak. The team went on to draft Tyrese Haliburton in 2020, showing that they were willing to pair Fox with another talented young guard. It’s puzzling why the GM can’t admit that they messed up.
The draft is inherently unpredictable, and mistakes happen. But owning up to those mistakes is crucial. Instead of trying to spin the narrative, the GM should take responsibility and move on. The fact that they won’t only adds to the embarrassment.
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