What happened: Former Sacramento Kings executive Vlade Divac admitted in a recent interview on Byron Scott's 'Fast Break' podcast that passing on Luka Dončić in the 2018 NBA Draft was a 'mistake.' Divac explained he chose to build around De'Aaron Fox due to their strong relationship and his belief that Fox was a better fit for a small-market franchise.
Why it matters: The retrospective admission carries new weight as Dončić recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers, while the same De'Aaron Fox just concluded a difficult championship series with the San Antonio Spurs. Divac's comments highlight the long-term impact of draft-day roster loyalty over 'best player available' scouting.
By the numbers: De'Aaron Fox averaged 12.8 points on 34.3% shooting in the 2026 NBA Finals. The New York Knicks defeated the Spurs 4-1 to claim the 2026 NBA title.
What to watch: Analysts continue to evaluate the 'what if' scenario of a Fox-Dončić backcourt as both players lead competing Western Conference contenders in new markets.