Tag: Serbia

Serbia coach Igor Kokoskov talked about …

Serbia coach Igor Kokoskov talked about Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone potentially joining the national team’s staff in the future. Kokoskov said that it was Malone who offered to become a part of the team during a congratulatory phone call after he was named the new head coach of the “Orlovi.” “What I can say is that from our side, we did everything to be professional and transparent,” Kokoskov said in the press conference ahead of the EuroBasket Qualifiers games of Serbia vs. Finland and Georgia. “When that idea came up, we were there to welcome him. After my appointment, I got a call with his [Malone’s] congratulations and his proposal to join us. That was one very nice [form of] congratulations to me. If not recognition.”

Malone denied that any official …

Malone denied that any official agreement is in place. He later mentioned that there are ongoing conversations and he’s “definitely” interested in becoming a part of the team. “The desire to cooperate still exits,” Kokoskov said. “He’s a prominent NBA coach. If he’s willing to be here, that’s fine. The team won’t be based on Igor or Mike Malone but on the players and, most importantly, on them being here.”

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.

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.

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.

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.