Tag: Alen Smailagic

Zion Williamson nearly shook Alen Smailagic out of his shoes

Williamson gave Smailagic a nasty jab step that sent him stumbling on Sunday night.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson put a nasty move on Alen Smailagic on Sunday night for his first made 3-pointer since his debut game on Jan. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs.

The No. 1 overall pick had missed his last seven 3-pointers since debuting with the Pelicans but drained his first attempt against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night at the expense of Smailagic.

On the play, Williamson received the ball from Lonzo Ball with Smailagic matched up on him. Williamson gave Smailagic a jab step, which sent the Warriors rookie stumbling in the other direction.

Even Williamson smiled after that move.

The move by Williamson is yet another way the rookie has managed to make the highlight reels. Williamson has certainly thrown down a number of electric dunks but he also showed off his full arsenal on the play with his dribble move and shooting.

Williamson led the Pelicans with 14 points at halftime as they trailed the Warriors, 56-46.

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Injury Report: Starting Warriors frontline duo out vs New Orleans Pelicans

Draymond Green and Marquese Chriss have both been ruled out against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Losing Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson has made the 2019-20 season difficult for the Golden State Warriors. Against the New Orleans Pelicans, it won’t get any easier.

Golden State will be without their starting power forward and center in the debut of 2019 top pick Zion Williamson in San Francisco. Draymond Green (pelvic contusion) and Marquese Chriss (left calf soreness) have been ruled out against New Orleans on Sunday.

Without both their starting big men, the Warriors will only have nine available players against the Pelicans. Kevon Looney and rookie Eric Paschall will start on the frontline in their place.

Alen Smailagic and Dragan Bender will be in line for playing time in Steve Kerr’s rotation off the bench.

Smailagic was called up to the Warriors after a stint with G League Santa Cruz. With Golden State, the Serbian rookie is averaging 4.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 13 games.

Bender signed a 10-day contract with Golden State just hours before tip-off against New Orleans. The Croatian 22-year-old spent the start of the season with the Milwaukee Bucks, but has not played a game since Jan. 24. With the Warriors injury concerns, Bender could be tapped for heavy minutes in his first game with Golden State.

Golden State will have their hands full with New Orleans, winners of four of their last five. Since the Williamson laced up for his NBA debut, The Pelicans have won seven of his 11 games.

Without Green, the Warriors will have to rely on Paschall, Looney, Smailagic and Bender to pace the former Duke Blue Devil.

Injury Report: Draymond Green out (pelvic contusion) vs. Zion Williamson and Pelicans

Draymond Green has been ruled out against the New Orleans Pelicans with a pelvic contusion.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have dominated the injury news surrounding the Golden State Warriors. However, it’s not just the “Splash Brothers” who have been hampered by the injury bug.

Draymond Green has missed 12 games and counting this season. Adding another to his list, Green has been ruled out with a pelvic contusion for Sunday night’s contest against the New Orleans Pelicans. Green has been absent from games this season with a back, finger, heel and ankle injuries.

The former Defensive Player of the Year will miss the 2019 top draft pick Zion Williamson’s first game against the Golden State Warriors.

Eric Paschall has a chance to fill the role of Green, but behind the Villanova rookie, options are slim for Steve Kerr. Golden State’s coach will have to call on two young power forwards in Alen Smailagic and Dragan Bender off the bench.

Smailagic, only 19-years-old, has bounced back and forth between the Warriors G League affiliate in Santa Cruz and Golden State. The Serbian rookie has averaged 10 minutes per game in 13 contests this season.

The newest member of the Warriors, Bender, could see minutes in his first game in Golden State. Bender signed a 10-day contract with Golden State just hours before the Warriors are slated to tip-off against the Pelicans. Formerly with the Milwaukee Bucks, Bender has only played in seven games this season with his last appearance coming on Jan. 24.

Without Green, the Warriors will need all the help they can get as the Pelicans have won four of their last five contests. Since Williamson’s made his debut in late January, New Orleans has been victorious in seven of his 11 games. A combination of Paschall, Bender and Smailagic will get the task of slowing down the Duke product.

Injury Report: Kevon Looney (hip) questionable for Wednesday vs. Suns

In the final game before the NBA All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors could be without Kevon Looney against the Phoenix Suns.

The Golden State Warriors moved a total of six players at the NBA trade deadline, essentially turning their roster upside down. Even with players changing teams, Golden State’s injury bug remained with the team.

After balancing his new rotation over the past two games, Steve Kerr could be without one of his veterans in the Warriors’ final game before the NBA All-Star break.

Center Kevon Looney is listed as questionable against the Phoenix Suns. After signing a new deal to stay with the Warriors over the offseason, Looney has had an injury-hampered year.

The UCLA product has missed 35 games due to a neuropathic condition and an abdomen injury. Now, the Golden State big man could be out with hip soreness against the Suns.

However, if Looney cannot go against the Suns, there’s an opportunity for more Marquese Chriss minutes. Chriss has taken a bulk of the center minutes since the Warriors traded Willie Cauley-Stein, and the former Washington Husky has thrived.

The 22-year-old center has scored in double-figures in eight of his last ten games, including 26 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. In his previous two games, Chriss has grabbed nine rebounds in each contest. Chriss has also registered at least one block in six consecutive games.

If Looney doesn’t suit up against the Suns, Draymond Green could get more time at center with Eric Paschall sliding into more of a power forward role. Behind Chriss and Green, rookie Alen Smailagic could pick up the rest of the pieces inside the Warriors frontcourt.

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.

Draymond Green dons a new jersey number at Warriors practice in L.A.

After losing six-straight games, the Golden State need to take new measures to end their losing streak. For Draymond Green he used rookie, Alen Smailagic’s No. 6 jersey at a recent Warriors’ practice.

The start of the new decade hasn’t been kind to the Golden State Warriors. Since the ball dropped in New York City at Times Square to ring in the new year, the Warriors haven’t won a game.

To cap off 2019, Golden State won four of its last six games, but 2020 has been an unwelcome wake-up call. The Warriors have been missing their leading scorer, D’Angelo Russell, in every game of 2020. Without Russell, the team is averaging under 100 total points per game over their last four contests.

Losing streaks can be hard to shake. Some individuals take extreme measures to snap a losing streak, for former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green, it could be as simple as a jersey swap.

Before the struggling Dubs tipped off against the Los Angeles Clippers, the team practiced at UCLA in Pasadena and Green suited up a little different. Green was spotted wearing rookie Alen Smailagic’s No. 6 practice jersey during the team’s morning shootaround.

Smailagic is coming off a career-high 10 points against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks — it looks like Green is taking notice of the 19-year-old Serbian product.

Things don’t get any easier on the Warriors when the team travels to Staples Center to face Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers sit at third place in the Western Conference with only 12 losses on the season.

The Clippers could extend the Warriors losing streak to tie a 2019-20 season-high of seven straight losses. If the Warriors can break their losing streak, Green might have to stick with the rookie’s practice jersey for a while.

Draymond Green showed loved to rookie Alen Smailagic at shootaround

The former Defensive Player of the Year showed up to the gym in full support of his rookie roomate.

As the Golden State Warriors took the practice court in Los Angeles for shootaround on Friday morning, Draymond Green did so in a different jersey than normal.

Alen Smailagic, the 39th overall pick of the Warriors, has spent the majority of the season in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors but Green still showed up to the gym in full support of his rookie teammate prior to playing the Clippers on Friday night.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic captured Green taking corner 3-point shots, alongside Stephen Curry, in Smailagic’s No. 6 jersey. The gesture was surely a lot nicer than the time when Klay Thompson stole Smailagic’s seat on the bench.

Smailagic recently joined Golden State in the NBA and is starting to see a larger role in the offense with the team battling several injuries. Smailagic is coming off of a career performance on Wednesday after tallying 10 points against the Milwaukee Bucks.

While Green showing love to the rookie was certainly notable, the highlight of shootaround was Curry taking shots again. The two-time MVP has not played since Oct. 30 when he suffered a broken left hand but head coach Steve Kerr said Curry still has a ways to go before returning to the court.

Perhaps Curry will don Smailagic’s one day…

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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.

Timberwolves blitz Warriors in first game of new decade, 99-84

Lack of three-point shooting hurts the Warriors in their attempt to steal a win in the first game of 2020 in Minnesota.

2020 started much how 2019 ended for the Golden State Warriors— a loss with a limited bench. For the second straight game, the Warriors were without D’Angelo Russell (shoulder), Willie Cauley-Stein (illness), Kevon Looney (abdomen) and it showed.

The Warriors have battled with Minnesota in their first two meetings, in the final matchup of the season, it was a different story. The Timberwolves dominated the shorthanded Dubs to start their 2020 with a lopsided loss, 99-84.

The Timberwolves have struggled from three-point range this season, yet they were able to outshoot Golden State from downtown by a wide margin. Minnesota shot 13-43 from three, while the Warriors only made three total three-pointers on 20 attempts.

Similar to beyond the arc, Minnesota dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Warriors 52-43. Minnesota especially hurt the Warriors on the offensive glass, stealing 17 offensive boards to Golden State’s seven.

The Warriors will have another chance to grab their first win of 2020 over the weekend when the Detroit Pistons travel to Chase Center for the first time.

Slow out of the gate 

The Warriors started the game on a downwards trajectory, getting outscored 34-19 in the first period of the game. Two Timberwolves, Josh Okogie and Shabazz Napier almost combined to outscore the entire Warriors roster in the first quarter. At the same time, Golden State’s leading scorer, Alec Burks, only registered five points.

The Warriors couldn’t stop the Timberwolves scoring in the first quarter with Minnesota shooting 50 percent from the field on 13-of-26 shooting while adding four three-pointers, more than Golden State had all game.

Omari Spellman shakes the earth 

While it was a sloppy game overall for the Golden State Warriors, Omari Spellman provided one of the highlights of the season in the fourth quarter.

The Villanova product caught the ball at the three-point line and used a shot fake to drive the lane then slammed down a vicious one-handed dunk over former Warrior, Jordan Bell.

Bell fouled Spellman trying to go for a block, giving the Warriors the chance to cut the Timberwolves lead down to single digits. Golden State couldn’t complete the comeback, but Spellman’s dunk provided a moment that will get shown on repeat on sports highlight shows across the country.

Smailagic tracker

Alen Smailagic played in his fourth straight NBA game registering 16 minutes against the Timberwolves. Smailagic had seven points, three rebounds, a steal and an assist, registering a team-high plus nine in Minnesota.

Each time the 19-year old Serbian is on the floor, he flashes a new skill, with tonight being his passing ability. Smailagic drove into the lane and found a rolling Eric Paschall for an easy dunk.

Warriors’ win streak grows to 4 via wild comeback win vs. Suns, 105-96

With an electric fourth quarter, the Golden State Warriors were able to steal a comeback win against the Suns to extend their winning streak.

Unlike Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors came out flat, and so did San Francisco’s Chase Center. The Warriors looked like they were coming off the hangover of an emotional win, and the Phoenix Suns were making the pay early.

The Suns jumped to a 13-point lead behind the stellar play of Devin Booker, but in the fourth quarter, things changed. The Suns were leading by 10 with seven minutes to play in the game, and the Warriors went nuclear from there, finishing the game on a 29-10 to steal a comeback win, 105-96.

The Warriors outscored the Suns 39-18 in the fourth quarter alone behind 21 combined points from D’Angelo Russell and Alec Burks in the final period.

With the comeback win, the Warriors have extended their winning streak to four— the longest in the NBA’s Western Conference.

Smiley Era Underway

After getting recalled from G League Santa Cruz earlier in the week, rookie Alen Smailagic and Warriors fans everywhere have been waiting for the NBA debut of the Serbian big-man.

Against the Suns, Steve Kerr granted Dub Nation’s wish, playing Smailagic for five minutes, and the rookie didn’t disappoint.

Smailagic scored four points on 2-3 shooting, adding a rebound and a block against the Suns. Smailagic looked supremely confident in NBA action at only 19-years old. The Serbian even stepped out and launched a three-pointer that he couldn’t rattle home.

Forcing Turnovers

Through the first three-quarters of the game, the Phoenix Suns outplayed the Warriors. Still, one thing left the door open for the Golden State comeback—turnovers.

The Suns turned the basketball over 28 times, and the Warriors took advantage, scoring 28 points off turnovers in the game. The Suns’ backcourt of Ricky Rubio and Booker turned the ball over 15 times combined, more than the entire Warriors rotation.