The 2018 NBA Manifesto
Ante Zizic
C - 6’11, 250lbs - 21 years old - 1 year of experience
Championship intentions notwithstanding, Zizic should play more. This is not a project European centre of yesteryear. This is an accomplished professional (despite the age) who knows what to do with a good physical profile and solid skill level, who could produce at the NBA level.
In a way, he already has. Zizic played little, and what he did was mostly in garbage time, but when he did, he played well. This is a player with old school size, moves, counters and touch in the post; no one shoots 73.1% from the field unless they are entirely set up for everything always, or without having an excellent skill level. Zizic creates high percentage looks constantly with his surprisingly dexterous post feet and tremendous feel for the game, and he will hit a few mid-range jump shots when given opportunities, too.
Zizic will also rebound at the NBA level as well. And if Kendrick Perkins sticks around, having him show the (relative) youngster the ropes should see Zizic pick up the nous needed to survive in the quicker NBA game soon enough. Things will not go as well defensively as they do offensively, but that is fine, because of how high Zizic’s offensive skill level is.
Seriously, try him. Whether LeBron stays or not, get Zizic some significant minutes next season. You won’t regret it.
Player Plan: Three years of rookie scale salary remaining. Keep him, develop him, and play him.
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C - 6’11, 250lbs - 21 years old - 1 year of experience
Championship intentions notwithstanding, Zizic should play more. This is not a project European centre of yesteryear. This is an accomplished professional (despite the age) who knows what to do with a good physical profile and solid skill level, who could produce at the NBA level.
In a way, he already has. Zizic played little, and what he did was mostly in garbage time, but when he did, he played well. This is a player with old school size, moves, counters and touch in the post; no one shoots 73.1% from the field unless they are entirely set up for everything always, or without having an excellent skill level. Zizic creates high percentage looks constantly with his surprisingly dexterous post feet and tremendous feel for the game, and he will hit a few mid-range jump shots when given opportunities, too.
Zizic will also rebound at the NBA level as well. And if Kendrick Perkins sticks around, having him show the (relative) youngster the ropes should see Zizic pick up the nous needed to survive in the quicker NBA game soon enough. Things will not go as well defensively as they do offensively, but that is fine, because of how high Zizic’s offensive skill level is.
Seriously, try him. Whether LeBron stays or not, get Zizic some significant minutes next season. You won’t regret it.
Player Plan: Three years of rookie scale salary remaining. Keep him, develop him, and play him.
