At only 19 years old, rookie Alen Smailagic impressing fellow Warriors

Damion Lee had nothing but praise for the Warriors Serbian rookie, Alen Smailagic four-games into his NBA career.

Where were you when you were 19-years old? A tough question to answer that was asked to Golden State Warriors teammates after their 99-84 loss in Minnesota.

One Warrior won’t have to remember that far back, as he’s living out his final year as a teenager in the NBA with Golden State. A week ago, Alen Smailagic made his not-so-long awaited NBA debut when he entered the game against the Phoenix Suns.

Now, after four games, the rookie is living up to the magnified hype he’s played under since being drafted No. 39 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Since being recalled from the Warriors’ G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, the Serbian ranks as the third-youngest player in the NBA— a change of pace for a team with a heavy veteran presence over the past five seasons.

Injuries initially put Smailagic’s debut on hold, but now they’ve opened the door for his arrival. In each performance, he’s impressed not only the Warriors’ fanbase but his fellow teammates.

After the Warriors loss to the Timberwolves, G League-to-NBA veteran, Damion Lee praised the Warriors rookie to reporters, saying there’s a bright future ahead for Smailagic.

At the end of the day, this is only his fourth NBA game, him just learning still growing— obviously, there’s a pace difference between the G League and the NBA — him coming into his own — I mean, at the end of the day, he’s 19, he has a lot of basketball ahead, there’s definitely a bright future for him.

Lee said it’s crazy to think that Smailagic should’ve been graduating from only high school last summer. However, it’s valuable for him to get this type of experience while he’s still developing.

It’s crazy, you can see it in his frame— he has the frame to put on weight — it’s just learning the NBA game, continue to learn, continue to develop — he’ll come into his own, it’s good for him to get this experience at such a young age.

Fellow rookie Eric Paschall told reporters he believes Smailagic is playing well despite his young age for the speed of the NBA game.

Smailagic has scored four or more points in every game he’s entered for Golden State this season. In each game, he’s shown a new skill; whether that be rebounding, banking home three-pointers, or dishing out dimes, the rookie is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Smailagic’s play even got the attention of two-time NBA MVP, Stephen Curry. Against the Phoenix Suns, Smailagic put a smile on Curry’s face after fighting for a rebound and cashing-in the putback layup.

Smailagic’s minutes might be tapered back once D’Angelo Russell, Willie Cauley-Stein and Kevon Looney return. Still, for now, the rookie is seizing every opportunity he has while he’s up with Golden State’s big club.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Warriors decide to reassign Smailagic back to Santa Cruz at some point, as his development still has ways to go, but if he can continue to impress at this pace, Golden State has to consider making the Serbian a significant part of their future.