In the 2016 NBA draft, the Boston Celtics selected Ante Zizic with the 23rd overall pick. The 6’11, 260 pound big man out of Croatia has recently stated he is coming to the NBA this coming July, according to the Boston Globe.
“July 1 just has to roll over on the calendar, and we’ll sign him,” Ainge said. “He wants to be here, and we want him here.”
The 20-year-old is averaging 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 25.3 minutes per game for the Darü??afaka Do?u? in the Turkish league and KK Cibona in the Croatian League after the Celtics decided to stash him.
Per the article, even former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt had high praise for Ante Zizic.
“Without question, Ante brings to the table a level of energy and intangibles that will allow him initially as a role player to contribute,” Blatt said, “because he’s going to rebound, he’s going to run, he’s going to go after loose balls, he’s going to be able to finish and he’s going to compete.”
The Celtics will lose both Jonas Jerebko and Amir Johnson to free agency this summer, so Ante Zizic could come over and get some minutes right away.
