After so much buzz was created over Nikola Mirotic and his possible NBA debut next season we will try to find out for you which are the other three players that can immediately affect a NBA franchise. Who are the Divac, Stojakovic and Turkoglu of the upcoming era?
Discuss Which Players Should Be On This List On Our Forum
Here you can find the top five European players that are 21 years and younger and have played professional basketball on the highest level. We are presenting only players that have accumulated enough professional experience in Europe so they can immediately impact any NBA franchise. Don’t be surprised if we miss out some freakishly athletic 17 year old guys like Georgios Papagiannis or Milos Glisic.
1. Bogdan Bogdanovic
Year: 1992 Age: 21
Club: Partizan Belgrade
Competition: Euroleague
Nationality: Serbian
Height: 6 ft 6 in
Weight: 205 lb
Many of you would wonder why have we put Bogdan Bogdanovic so high on this list after many online basketball magazines repeatedly emphasized his limited mid range game. The reason is really simple. In the past season he has led his team to the Top 16 phase of the Euroleage while averaging slightly under 16 points in 30 minutes of action. He brings great energy to the court and has a physical frame that will allow him to knock down jumpers in a fast paced NBA tempo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHuTnAFNJQM
2. Dario Saric
Year: 1994 Age: 19
Club: Cibona
Competition: Eurocup / ABA League
Nationality: Croatian
Height: 6 ft 10 in
Weight: 230 lb
Although he is the most versatile big man in Europe at the moment he lacks the necessary club competition experience. He is a 6 ft 10 in freak that understands basketball better than some coaches and can overpower opponents in the paint, hit the three, lead the break or even finish with authority. The only reason why Dario Saric isn’t our top choice because he still wasn’t presented on the big scene in the Euroleague and he probably never would. It is highly plausible that he enters the NBA Draft in one of the following two seasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux6G0gedYR4
3. Leo Westermann
Year: 1992 Age: 21
Club: Partizan Belgrade
Competition: Euroleague
Nationality: French
Height: 6 ft 6 in
Weight: 190 lb
Another player from Partizan Belgrade and this is not a coincidence because they are one of the rare teams that produce such high number of prospects each year. With Leo it’s not all about the numbers because he is one of those players that possesses high basketball IQ and can set up almost any play to perfection. Born leader and a highly skilled point guard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r97Nrdz38I
Which player would you add on this list, please comment.
