Alen Smailagic could get increased role post-Willie Cauley-Stein trade

Serbian rookie Alen Smailagic, currently in the G League, could be up for more NBA games after the Warriors dealt Willie Cauley-Stein to Dallas.

With the 2020 NBA trade deadline on the horizon, the first Golden State Warriors’ domino dropped when the Dallas Mavericks finalized a move to acquire Willie Cauley-Stein.

Along with Cauley-Stein, Golden State has other players that could be dealt before the trade deadline on February 6, but in the present, who will step up in the Warriors rotation while the roster is being tinkered?

With Cauley-Stein’s departure to Dallas, and Kevon Looney’s battle with injuries, the Golden State frontcourt has thinned quickly. Draymond Green, Omari Spellman and two-way contract player, Marquese Chriss will eat a lion share of the center minutes without Cauley-Stein.

However, is 19-year-old second-round draft pick, Alen Smailagic in line to see an increased opportunity in Golden State’s frontcourt?

After Golden State’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, Steve Kerr was asked if Smailagic will get the call up from the G League with Cauley-Stein traded to Dallas.

Possibly, I still think it’s more valuable for him to play big minutes in Santa Cruz other than playing shorter minutes here — For sure he’ll be up here for more games at some point during the rest of the season

Since returning from an injury that hampered the start of his basketball career, Smailagic has played nine games in the NBA, averaging 4.7 points and 2.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game.

What Smailagic’s numbers don’t show is the spark that he brings to Golden State’s rotation when he takes the floor. Whether it’s a dunk, a banked-in three-pointer, or a hustle play — the Warriors’ crowd responds to the Serbian rookie’s energy.

Smailagic’s age and experience limit him from even being considered a refined NBA prospect at this point. However, with minutes opening up and the Golden State record dwindling, the 19-year-old has a chance to further his development at the NBA level.