There is no doubt that Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is one of the best players in the NBA right now and is having a season better than any that have come before it, while the Atlanta Hawks are struggling.
This has led to fans of the Mavericks cheering on Doncic and the team.
Meanwhile, followers of the Hawks are thinking about what could have been.
That is because these two teams have a very particular and interesting piece of fate that ties them together.
Hawks fans will forever be scarred with this image pic.twitter.com/ZpzHEtdY6X
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) January 2, 2023
Back in the 2018 NBA Draft, the two teams made a trade that would shape the future of both for years to come.
The Hawks initially selected Doncic as the third pick in that draft.
Doncic was even photographed wearing his new Hawks gear and shaking hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
However, the Hawks then immediately flipped their draft pick.
They sent Doncic to Dallas for the draft rights for guard Trae Young, who now leads them.
They also received a 2019 protected first-round pick, which ended up being Cam Reddish, who now plays for the New York Knicks.
Now the Hawks are having a tough time.
Dealing Away Doncic
Rumors of Young leaving the team are emerging and some Atlanta fans are wishing this huge trade never occurred.
They think of Doncic and all his greatness suited up and playing for the Hawks and they are regretting that it was never meant to be.
Few people can blame the choice the Hawks made.
Both Doncic and Young were good picks and trading for Young landed them another crucial draft pick.
Hindsight is 20/20 and obviously, Doncic is having a much better season than Young but anyone who is cursing the Hawks’ choice in 2018 should cut the team some slack.
