Category: g-league

Warriors recall Serbian rookie Alen Smailagić from G League Santa Cruz

After being recalled by the Golden State Warriors, Serbian rookie Alen Smailagic may get his NBA debut against the New York Knicks.

When the Golden State Warriors selected a 19-year old, 6-foot-9 forward out of Serbia with the 39th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft— there was an immediate level of buzz surrounding the name, Alen Smailagic.

Smailagic at only 18 years of age, was drafted with the 4th overall pick in the 2018 NBA G League draft and was so impressive playing with the Santa Cruz Warriors, that Bob Myers, Golden State’s general manager traded two future second-round picks and cash to acquire the rights to the Serbian teenager.

Now, after almost a month into the 2019 regular season, Smailagic will join the Warriors bench against the New York Knicks.

Smailagic suffered an ankle injury during the first week of training camp that put his debut on hold. Smailagic’s injury bled deep into the start of Golden State’s season, hampering his rookie year.

Once healthy, the Warriors decided to assign Smailagic back to the G League in Santa Cruz to further develop and regain his conditioning. After six appearances and four starts in Santa Cruz, the Warriors are bringing the Serbian back to the NBA club.

Smailagic averaged 12.0 points per game with 5.5 rebounds in 21.8 minutes in his six games in the G League. Smailigic shot 47.4 percent from the field and made eight three-pointers on 24 attempts.

It’s still a bit of a mystery with how Smailagic will fit into Steve Kerr’s rotation, but his athleticism and size give the Warriors lineup a burst of excitement.

The Serbian is still raw and inexperienced, so expect Golden State to be patient with their 19-year old prospect in a developmental season. Smailagic will be up with the Warriors against the Knicks at Chase Center, but they hit the road for two of their next three games. It wouldn’t be out of the question for Smailagic to go back down to Santa Cruz for more playing time while the team travels on the road.

Could G League stint be the answer for Warriors rookie Jordan Poole?

A trip down to Santa Cruz with the Warriors G League affiliate could benefit rookie, Jordan Poole in the long-run.

The Golden State Warriors 2019 first-round draft pick, Jordan Poole, has had an underwhelming start to his NBA career. Yet, late in November against the Miami Heat, the rookie looked like he to took a step forward.

Poole tied a career-high 20-points, knocking down five-three pointers on six shots from the distance— his best shooting night as a professional. Leading into Miami, Poole hit double-digit scoring numbers in four-of-five games. However, more important than the stats, the Michigan product looked comfortable on the floor. Poole seemed to find some rhythm for the first time in his NBA career.

Since Miami, it’s been a different story for Poole. The rookie has registered only one point in three games since his career shooting night in South Beach, and it hasn’t looked pretty. Poole is 0-16 from the field and 0-9 from beyond the arc, with his only basket coming from a trip to the free-throw line where he went one-for-two.

Poole’s start to his career hasn’t been typical for the 28th overall pick. The former Wolverine ranks in the top-10 in rookie minutes played, as he’s been thrust into Golden State’s lineup due to injuries. Not only has he been asked to play heavy minutes, but he’s also tasked with being a scorer for the struggling Warriors. Poole ranks in rookie field goal attempts, three points attempts and free-throw attempts.

Poole’s development is looking stunted in 2019, but luckily for the Warriors, the team is getting healthy for the first time this season. D’Angelo Russell returned against the Charlotte Hornets, while guards, Jacob Evans and Damion Lee, are nearing a return to the floor. With an influx in backcourt talent, Poole’s best bet could be in the G League.

A trip down to Santa Cruz with the Warriors G League affiliate could help build Poole’s game. Poole needs to see the ball go in the basketball hoop— he needs to build up his confidence with his shot. A mixture of some time on the bench and growth in the G League could be beneficial to Poole’s long term career.