The Thrill of NBA “What If” Scenarios
Imagining alternative realities in the NBA can be a fascinating exercise, and a recent revelation about the Denver Nuggets’ interest in Luka Doncic has sparked a tantalizing “what if” scenario.
The Nuggets’ Pursuit of Luka Doncic
According to reports, the Nuggets attempted to trade for the number two pick in the 2018 draft, which would have allowed them to pair Luka Doncic with Nikola Jokic. The proposed deal involved Gary Harris and two first-round picks, but the Sacramento Kings ultimately declined the offer.
Evaluating the Proposed Trade
In hindsight, it’s easy to criticize the Nuggets for not offering more, but at the time, Gary Harris was a valuable asset. During the 2017-18 season, he averaged 17.5 points on 48/39% shooting splits, with 2.3 three-pointers made per game, and provided legitimate perimeter defense at just 23 years old. The picks, while potentially light in hindsight, were still a significant part of the package.
The Butterfly Effect of a Luka-Jokic Pairing
If the trade had gone through, the consequences would have been far-reaching. Would the Nuggets have eventually traded Jamal Murray? Without Gary Harris, would they have still acquired Aaron Gordon, a key contributor to their championship win? Michael Porter Jr. might not have become a Nugget, and the Mavericks’ trajectory, including their pursuit of Trae Young, could have been altered. Marvin Bagley’s career might have taken a different path, free from the Kings’ curse.
The Allure of “What If” Scenarios
The thrill of “what if” stories lies in their potential to reshape the NBA landscape. In this case, a Luka-Jokic pairing would have been a mesmerizing combination, with their passing ability alone making them must-watch TV. While we’ll never know what could have been, it’s impossible not to indulge in the fantasy.
Rating This “What If” Scenario
I’d give this NBA “what if” a score of 9.2/10. The possibilities are endless, and the excitement of imagining a Luka-Jokic duo is too great to ignore. Even though it didn’t come to fruition, it’s a delightful thought experiment that adds to the rich tapestry of NBA history.
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