Rookie Alen Smailagic named to NBA G League Winter Showcase First-Team

Serbian 19-year old, Alen Smailagic was named to G League Showcase All First-Team after a pair of impressive performances in Las Vegas over the weekend.

Although he’s yet to make his NBA debut, rookie Alen Smailagic might be the most exciting aspect of the Warriors’ 2019-20 season. Since being drafted by the Warriors at No. 39 overall in the 2019 draft, there’s been a certain level of hype around the 19-year old Serbian.

After dominating two games over the weekend in the NBA’s G League Winter Showcase located in Las Vegas, Smailagic took home First-Team honors for the tournament.

In two consecutive games, Smailagic totaled 43 points across the showcase for the Santa Cruz Sea Dubs. Smailagic had a double-double against the 905 Raptors Friday, tallying 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. On Sunday against the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario, the Serbian teenager added 24 points, four rebounds and two steals.

Entering the showcase, Smailagic was on a tear in Santa Cruz averaging
22.6 over his past five games. What’s most impressive about Smailagic’s development recently has been his long-distance shooting.

The near seven-footer has been stepping out and knocking down three’s regularly of late. Smailagic has hit 13 triples in that his past four games, shooting 48.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Smailagic was named to the G League Winter Showcase First-Team alongside Isaiah Caanan, RJ Dozier, Alize Johnson and Juwan Morgan.

The Sea Dubs don’t play till Saturday, and in that time the Golden State Warriors have elected to recall Smailagic from Santa Cruz. Yet it’s unclear if he’ll make his NBA debut while up with the big club.

Expect the Warriors to be extremely patient with their Serbian rookie, as he is still only 19-years old. Smailagic is still not only young in age but has little basketball experience outside his time in the G League.

Earlier in December. Steve Kerr said Smailagic would make his NBA debut at some point this season, but right now, the Warriors want him to get as much playing time as possible down in Santa Cruz.

However, if Smailagic continues to make noise in the G League, Kerr and the Warriors will have no other option than to bring him up to the NBA club full time.