Draftexpress just came out with a new mock draft, which is recommended reading as always because those dudes are incredible.
In light of Zizic's promotion and so-far-so-good production in the upper echelons of european play, I got to wondering how Zizic, who will be 20 yo on draft night 2017, compares to the class with which he will likely join the NBA. If he were coming out this year, where would he get drafted?
As a possible starting point, the new big man class is shaping up something like this:
.8. Lauri Markkanen (Fr)
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7' freshman from Arizona with Porzingis-like offensive abilities
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jury out on his defense
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will also be 20yo
.12. Harry Giles (Fr)
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top HS prospect who checks all the boxes at PF
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huge injury issues
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only just now getting minutes at Duke
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will be 19 yo
.15. Isaiah Hartenstein (Int)
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athletic 7' that rebounds and has great offensive skill
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averaging 5/3/0.5/0.5 in 14 minutes in Lithuanian league
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will be 19 yo
.16. Ivan Rabb (So)
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considered a lottery pick in 2016 before withdrawing from the draft
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averaging 15/11 for Cal right now
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will be 20 yo
I'm anchoring to that Hartenstein spot-- based on what Zizic is doing right now against superior competition I can't imagine scouts slotting him below Hartenstein.
By the end of this season, I personally predict that Harry Giles' stock will have thoroughly rebounded and Markinnen's will have fallen. I also don't believe for a second that 5-6 point guards are going to get drafted in the top 10... that bubble is going to burst. Does Zizic get into the top 10, then? Maybe even higher?
Submitted January 06, 2017 at 03:55PM by burner_for_celtics