User blog comment:ND999/Lore of LoL - Blast from the past: Doran/@comment-26815373-20151225002122/@comment-24385282-20151227030529

Don't worry, you are making perfect sense, I understand that as a prototype kit it is open to change. Unfortunately, I feel like the absolute core of Doran's kit is being able to make changes to his own abilities via the purchase of Doran's items, which I just don't agree with. This is partially just because I personally don't like this as a mechanic and partially because of the other reasons I already listed. It really doesn't matter, but I'd like to mention that I feel like there is a really good reason against this type of mechanic (being able to purchase the same items other champions can but freely receiving extra bonuses for doing so) but I honestly just can't think of what that reason is, so take that with a grain of salt.

That said, even if you do keep it as a mechanic for his kit, there's one big question you have to answer, going beyond balancing the passive and its effects: what if Doran doesn't buy one of his items? Surely people would want to try Doran jungle, Doran support.