Former Sacramento Kings general manager Vlade Divac discusses his 2018 draft decision to pass on Luka Doncic in favour of Marvin Bagley III. The pick has long been one of the most contentious issues in modern NBA history.

When discussing the biggest errors in the NBA Draft, certain names usually come up. From Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan in 1984 to Greg Oden over Kevin Durant in 2007, history is riddled with controversial decisions. One of the most recent and most publicised situations is that of Luka Doncic, who was taken third overall in 2018, and the influence that then-Sacramento Kings general manager Vlade Divac played in choosing Marvin Bagley III with the second choice over the now-Dallas Mavericks superstar.

In retrospect, Divac’s choice has been heavily criticised, especially because Doncic has emerged as one of the league’s generational talents. However, during a recent interview in Serbia, the former Serbian star justified his decision and stated his thinking at the time. Divac claimed that he already had De’Aaron Fox as a point guard on his team and planned to develop around him.

Nonetheless, he admits that the passage of time has revealed that decision to be a grave error. “Time will tell if I was mistaken. As things stand today, it appears that I was, but I am optimistic that Fox will have a successful career,” Divac stated.

Despite Divac’s high expectations for Marvin Bagley III, the reality has been far different. Bagley has suffered repeated injuries, limiting his impact in the league, whereas Doncic has developed into a legitimate superstar. The Slovenian is a multiple All-Star, is a perennial MVP candidate, and has led the Dallas Mavericks to the playoffs, elevating his game to new heights.

De’Aaron Fox, the basis on which Divac hoped to build, has matured as a player, finally leading the Kings to the playoffs after a 16-year absence. Fox is undeniably a good player, but it’s difficult to justify passing over Doncic.

The Kings’ dilemma in retrospect.

Divac’s decision in 2018 is still a controversial topic in Sacramento. Luka Doncic’s career has left an indelible stamp on the league, as he has the ability to drastically transform the direction of a club, whereas Bagley failed to make the desired effect with the Kings and was eventually dealt to the Detroit Pistons.

Despite Divac’s reasons, it appears unlikely that Fox or any other Sacramento player will gain the same degree of power that Doncic has in Dallas. The former Kings GM continues to defend his position, but the continual juxtaposition between what could have been and what Doncic has become is unavoidable.