2016 NBA Draft Prospects: Breaking Down NBA Future of Croatia's Ante Zizic
NBA scouts won't have to dig deep to discover Ante Zizic. Brother of Andrija, a longtime veteran overseas, Ante is also Cibona's leading scorer and the Adriatic League's co-leader in rebounding.
He's one of the most productive and efficient young prospects abroad, and he's only 19 years old.
Between the numbers and a body that stands out under the NBA lens, Zizic has thrust his way into the 2016 NBA draft's first-round conversation.
Though he may appeal to teams looking to stash a player overseas, he does have an NBA buyout with Cibona over the summer, according to his agent.
Relevant Stats
| MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% | FT% | Usage | |
| Adriatic League (22 games) | 25.5 | 12.9 | 7.8 | 0.4 | 1.4 | .633 | .700 | 22.8 |
| A-1 Liga (15 games) | 27.7 | 15.8 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | .705 | .699 | 22.3 |
The fact Zizic shoots at least 60 percent in two different leagues highlights quality shot selection. He doesn't take the ones he can't make.
When you include his 14 FIBA Europe Cup games, he winds up with a rebounding percentage of 19.6 in 2015-16, per RealGM.com. Among potential first-rounders, he trails only Gonzaga's Domantas Sabonis and North Carolina's Brice Johnson in that metric.
On the negative side, he's registered below-average assist, steal and shot-blocking rates.
Strengths
Listed at 6'11", 254 pounds with a 7'3" wingspan, according to The Vertical's Jonathan Givony, there aren't any questions over Zizic's physical tools for the center position. He uses every ounce of strength and inch of length, along with some impressive mobility. Though not particularly explosive, he has some bounce off one foot.
Zizic picks up buckets by rolling, diving, cutting and crashing the offensive glass. He's more of a finisher than a scorer, though he does an excellent job of positioning himself for opportunities off the catch or from loose balls.
With space in front of him, he can use a dribble to get closer to the hoop and convert on the move.
From an NBA standpoint, it's Zizic's motor that's most appealing; you can argue it's the driving force behind his production and activity. He collects easy buckets in transition by beating defenses down the floor, and with long arms and some fight, he earns himself second-chance points off misses.
We have seen flashes of basic back-to-the-basket post moves, including simple hooks and running ones in the lane. When given room, he can make defenses pay with a short jumper around the foul line (70 percent from the line as well).
He's also shown enough foot speed and effort to suggest he's capable of bringing something to the defensive table, although it's more likely to come in the form of toughness than playmaking.
Weaknesses
Despite the big numbers, Zizic isn't much of a shot creator, and he doesn't compensate with above-average athleticism. Given his low steal and block rates, scouts have to ask themselves whether he offers enough offensively. He doesn't stretch the floor, pass particularly well or score one-on-one often.
His ceiling isn't overly high. For a team to select him in the first round, it would have to pass on bouncier or more versatile prospects with greater perceived upside.
Pro Comparison
Zaza Pachulia/Anderson Varejao
Like Zaza Pachulia or Anderson Varejao, Zizic will earn his money with rebounding and high off-the-ball activity. We aren't talking about options coaches will look to feature in the offense. And though they're centers, they aren't known for their shot-blocking prowess.
Instead, bigs like this are dirty-work cleanup men who have a feel for playing off superior surrounding talent.
Best-Case Scenario
With the right fit and opportunity, Zizic has starter potential, though he doesn't project as a high-end anchor. He doesn't possess the skills, burst or overall firepower.
The Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs are playoff teams in the 20s that could value Zizic's energy and efficiency. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, who has three first-round picks, recently flew to Croatia for a firsthand look, per international reporter David Pick.
In a best-case scenario, he emerges as a reliable role player for a winner's first unit.
Worst-Case Scenario
At worst, Zizic can settle in as a hustle-and-energy eighth or ninth man off the bench. His physical tools and motor hold his floor above ground level, but not much higher.
He's more likely to carve out a career as a serviceable reserve than a starter considering he doesn't excel in one specific area other than effort.
Prediction
Zizic is roughly the same age as most freshmen, yet he's produced against grown men overseas. There is bound to be one general manager drafting in the 20s who covets the Croatian's toughness, nose for the ball and ability to make plays without needing many run to him.
On the other hand, the upside tied to his potential isn't exciting.
I expect Zizic to eventually play in the NBA (whether it's next year or after another season with Cibona) and carve out a career for himself as a backup energizer.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
