Ante Zizic as a lottery pick?

I don’t want to say that the 2016 college prospects are weak, because many people thought they were weak in 2011 and looking at it now you got (outside Kyrie going 1) Klay, Kawhi, and Jimmy Butler as elite at their positions. But considering the lack of enthusiasm for a lot of the college prospects, I would be inclined if I were a GM to draft one of these unknown foreign guys. Whether Korkmaz or Luwawu on the perimeter or Zicic or Zhou Qi, I feel like there have been a number of foreign guys to make impacts the last few years that taking one of these guys like that wouldn’t be bad. I’m not sure if I would take Zicic in the lottery because you could probably get him 10 spots back, but I would definitely consider drafting someone like that.

I don’t want to say that the 2016 college prospects are weak, because many people thought they were weak in 2011 and looking at it now you got (outside Kyrie going 1) Klay, Kawhi, and Jimmy Butler as elite at their positions. But considering the lack of enthusiasm for a lot of the college prospects, I would be inclined if I were a GM to draft one of these unknown foreign guys. Whether Korkmaz or Luwawu on the perimeter or Zicic or Zhou Qi, I feel like there have been a number of foreign guys to make impacts the last few years that taking one of these guys like that wouldn’t be bad. I’m not sure if I would take Zicic in the lottery because you could probably get him 10 spots back, but I would definitely consider drafting someone like that.

 He does show some glimpses of Steven Adams…

 He does show some glimpses of Steven Adams…

 I actually think he is the second best international prospect  (behind Bender) in the draft. Worst case, I think he is a good rebounder and above average defender. I think he could become one of the best rebounders (on both ends) in the NBA. He will never be a true rim protector and obviously can only play center, but still a good prospect.nRight now, I think he will go in the 15-23 range, so just outside the lottery. I really want the Celtics to grab him at 23 (you always want good prospects to fall to your team), but would be fine if they took him at 16.

 I actually think he is the second best international prospect  (behind Bender) in the draft. Worst case, I think he is a good rebounder and above average defender. I think he could become one of the best rebounders (on both ends) in the NBA. He will never be a true rim protector and obviously can only play center, but still a good prospect.nRight now, I think he will go in the 15-23 range, so just outside the lottery. I really want the Celtics to grab him at 23 (you always want good prospects to fall to your team), but would be fine if they took him at 16.

 Teams should love the fact that he came into a man’s league and averaged a double double as a teenager. His game is not complex and what he does is necessary. If as an undeveloped player he was a double double threat in the Adriatic league that should translate well to the NBA. Definitely a prospect with mid 1st potential.

 Teams should love the fact that he came into a man’s league and averaged a double double as a teenager. His game is not complex and what he does is necessary. If as an undeveloped player he was a double double threat in the Adriatic league that should translate well to the NBA. Definitely a prospect with mid 1st potential.

 Eh, you could do a lot worse than taking him in the lotto (like drafting Ellenson in the lotto for example.)  What you see is pretty much what you get IMO. To me he looks like a high floor, high motor guy who will compete physically and get you garbage buckets and extra possessions.  He’s not much skill-wise, fundamentals aren’t even that great, his physical tools for a C are just OK (length looks good though) and in terms of a feel for the game he’s nothing to write home about, but you can’t teach his motor.  From what I’ve seen he looks like a Robin Lopez type. A smaller version, but similar style and tendencies.  His numbers look awesome for his age, but I would’t look too deeply into them.

 Eh, you could do a lot worse than taking him in the lotto (like drafting Ellenson in the lotto for example.)  What you see is pretty much what you get IMO. To me he looks like a high floor, high motor guy who will compete physically and get you garbage buckets and extra possessions.  He’s not much skill-wise, fundamentals aren’t even that great, his physical tools for a C are just OK (length looks good though) and in terms of a feel for the game he’s nothing to write home about, but you can’t teach his motor.  From what I’ve seen he looks like a Robin Lopez type. A smaller version, but similar style and tendencies.  His numbers look awesome for his age, but I would’t look too deeply into them.

 had him mocked at 16 to Boston in my latest update from over the weekend

 had him mocked at 16 to Boston in my latest update from over the weekend

 I’d say his draft range is 21-30 at the moment, there are a lot of solid NCAA bigs ahead and around him in the draft. Thon Maker is the biggest wildcard who could move up the draft IMO.

Zizic doesn’t have amazing size or a crazy wingspan which a team might think they can do something with either. But a lot will depend on workouts and if he impresses against the US bigs then he could move up the draft. As I always say it only takes one GM to like him.

My best case scenario for him could be Denver take him at 19, they have 3 first rounders this year and may widen their draft net or even stash him. Plus they have done well with Euro bigs in recent drafts so might roll the dice again.

 I’d say his draft range is 21-30 at the moment, there are a lot of solid NCAA bigs ahead and around him in the draft. Thon Maker is the biggest wildcard who could move up the draft IMO.

Zizic doesn’t have amazing size or a crazy wingspan which a team might think they can do something with either. But a lot will depend on workouts and if he impresses against the US bigs then he could move up the draft. As I always say it only takes one GM to like him.

My best case scenario for him could be Denver take him at 19, they have 3 first rounders this year and may widen their draft net or even stash him. Plus they have done well with Euro bigs in recent drafts so might roll the dice again.