Basketball Club Barcelona recently made an announcement that will put NBA teams on notice. They promoted their basketball prodigy, Mohamed Dabone, to the first team. While that news might not make headlines, when you look at Dabone, it is clear he might be the most hyped up prospect since Victor Wembanyama. In fact, some fans are calling him a combination of Wemby and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Not bad, right? Let’s talk about when he can be drafted and how the prospect of having him might make NBA teams think twice before trading picks.
13-Year-Old European Prodigy Could Skyrocket Draft Picks Value
In the last several years in the league, draft picks have become highly valuable. Teams are looking for ways to add cheap talent for multiple years, and the draft is the best way to do that. Yes, teams trying to win a championship might willingly trade future draft picks instead of waiting for some high schooler to develop. But Dabone might change that.
How Good is Mohamed Dabone?
What makes Dabone a special prospect is his height. He is only 13 years old, yet he has grown to 6’11″. Last year, fans in Europe were already praising him. The fun part is that he has grown an inch since last season. Most young boys stop growing between 16 and 18 years old. He has three to five years to continue growing, potentially making him as tall as Wembanyama. The scary part is that he is also able to dribble and shoot.
Last season, he played for the U16 and U18 teams for Barcelona. While his numbers do not pop, you have to remember he competed against older players. Next season, he will play against professional basketball players. NBA teams might already start sending scouts to see how they can get him.
Last season, Dabone had two great games against Real Madrid, another Spanish powerhouse. In the ACB Youth Cup Final, he posted 22 points and 26 rebounds. Then, in the International U16 Villa de La Orotava basketball tournament, he faced Madrid’s youth team again, posting 31 points, 19 rebounds, and four blocks.
When Will Dabone Be Draft Eligible?
Born in October 2011, Mohamed Dabone will be eligible for the NBA draft in 2030. Right now, most teams have their own pick in that draft. But things can get interesting as more teams scout him and get ready to draft a possibly generational talent.
Out of the teams with more than one possible pick in 2030, we have the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and the Memphis Grizzlies. A lot can change in the next five years. Teams contending right now might try to rebuild in a few years. Teams that are in the bottom right now will probably improve and contend.
With the new rules in the NBA, dynasties do not last as long. Players become too expensive, and teams eventually have to trade some of their key players. All that can make for an interesting draft in 2030. Yes, it is early, but teams monitored LeBron James since the beginning of his high school years. Nowadays, with the rise of social media, the hype might be even bigger.
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