How the Suns Missed Luka Doncic: A Draft Decision That Defined an Era

The Phoenix Suns' decision to pass on Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft remains one of the most consequential what-ifs in modern basketball. According to former head coach Igor Kokoskov, the franchise never seriously considered drafting Doncic, a choice driven by then-owner Robert Sarver's emotional attachment to local product Deandre Ayton.

In a recent appearance on the X&O's Chat podcast, Kokoskov revealed that the decision was effectively made before any strategic discussion took place.

We never, literally never, had a single serious strategic conversation about who we were going to draft, which gave me more than enough of an indication that the decision had already been made,

he said, adding that Sarver's Arizona roots created a personal connection to Ayton.

Why the Suns Passed on Doncic

Kokoskov, who had coached Doncic with the Slovenian national team, outlined the logic behind the pick. The Suns already had Devin Booker, and the front office projected Doncic as a high-usage shooter who could pass, but not as a pure point guard to pair alongside Booker.

Their skill sets wouldn't complement each other. That was probably Sarver's logic,

Kokoskov explained. He noted that Sarver had watched Doncic play live only once and had one dinner with him, suggesting a lack of due diligence.

A Costly Missed Opportunity

The consequences of that draft night have been stark. Doncic has become one of the league's premier players, while Ayton is now on his fourth team in five years. The contrast was never more visible than in the 2022 playoffs, when Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Suns in Game 7 of the second round, just one year after Phoenix posted a franchise-record 64 wins.

Kokoskov also shared a telling anecdote from draft night. Half an hour before the selection, Sarver asked assistant coach Corliss Williamson who the team was drafting. Kokoskov recalled telling Williamson,

We draft Luka, sign Capela in free agency, and see if Atlanta is willing to trade their pick.

Sarver's response was a simple Okay, underscoring the lack of a genuine process.

Sarver's Legacy and the Suns' Future

Sarver's tenure was marked by cost-cutting and controversy. He announced his intention to sell the team in September 2022 after an NBA investigation found a long history of racist and sexist behavior. The Doncic decision now stands as a symbol of a leadership style that prioritized instinct over analysis.

For Namibian sports fans, the lesson is universal: in high-stakes decisions, data and deliberation matter more than emotion. The Suns' miss on Doncic is a case study in how a single choice can reshape a franchise's trajectory for a decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Suns ever consider drafting Luka Doncic?

According to former coach Igor Kokoskov, the Suns never had a serious strategic conversation about drafting Doncic. The decision to select Deandre Ayton was effectively made in advance by then-owner Robert Sarver.

Why did the Suns choose Deandre Ayton over Luka Doncic?

Sarver had an emotional connection to Ayton, who was a local Arizona product. The front office also believed Doncic's skill set would overlap with Devin Booker's, rather than complement it.

How has the Doncic-Ayton decision impacted the Suns?

Doncic has become a top-tier NBA star, while Ayton has moved between multiple teams. The Suns' failure to draft Doncic is widely seen as a major missed opportunity that affected the franchise's competitiveness.