Last season, Serbian native Alen Smailagic was the youngest player to ever participate in the NBA G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors at only 18-year old. Smailagic was so impressive, that the general manager of the Golden State Warriors, Bob Myers spent a draft pick on him the following season.
From the moment Golden State used the 39th overall pick in June’s draft to select Smailagic, there’s been buzz surrounding the young Serbian. Unfortunately, Smailagic suffered a sprained ankle at the start of training camp, and we haven’t heard much from him since.
Smailagic is finally healthy and will be returning to the floor on Friday, just not with the Golden State Warriors, but with the Santa Cruz G League affiliate. The 19-year-old will make his 2019 debut against Iowa Wolves for the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Smailagic flashed during the start of the NBA Summer League in the “California Classic” in Sacramento, and outside of that, his experience is minimal. Before Smailagic’s one season with the Santa Cruz Warriors, he came over with only junior league playing time from the KK Beko club in Serbia.
💪 Alen Smailagic shows off some RISE 💪
📺 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/BVA1uXVjr5
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 2, 2019
Smailagic is still incredibly raw; he ideally fits the Warriors as more of a project right now. Even with their bench thin due to injury, Golden State has a deep frontline filled with players who have earned minutes. Kevon Looney will be returning to the team soon after recovering from his neuropathic condition, making the frontcourt even more crowded. Steve Kerr told reporters it just makes more sense for Smailagic to start with the G League club while the rookie continues to learn.
“He plays the one position where we actually have plenty of depth. It makes a lot more sense for him to go down to Santa Cruz and get his legs underneath him,” Kerr said.
Steve Kerr on why Alen Smailagic is starting in Santa Cruz: "He plays the one position where we actually have plenty of depth. It makes a lot more sense for him to go down to Santa Cruz and get his legs underneath him."
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) November 28, 2019
With the Warriors season quickly becoming more about the future than the present, the team is being patient when it comes to Smailagic’s development.