Editor's note: The Warriors' roster looks completely different than it did at this time last year. Golden State enters a new era at Chase Center with an injured Klay Thompson and without dynasty mainstays Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. As the Warriors' offseason goes on, we'll do a profile on every player on the revamped roster. Wednesday's edition is Alen Smailagić.
Last month, the Warriors traded up to select Serbian big man Alen Smailagić with the No. 39 pick in 2019 NBA Draft, making him just the third international player drafted into the NBA from the G League. With the Warriors opting to develop their young core, the 18-year-old hopes to be a piece in Golden State's future.
Here's everything you need to know about the second-round pick:
Contract
4 years/$4.3 million
Last season
Sports
One year after winning MVP of the Serbian U19 league, Smailagić averaged nearly a double-double in his first G League season.
Over a four-game stretch in December, he averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.75 steals and 1.5 blocks, including a career-high 25 point, 12 rebound performance against the South Bay Lakers.
During the season, Smailagić displayed an impressive showing in the paint, scoring 1.303 points per shot around the rim in the half-court, according to NBA.com. However, he will need to improve his perimeter scoring, as he converted just 0.805 points per post-up possession -- 28th in the NBA's metrics.
Still, the young forward remains an intriguing prospect that will test Golden State's player development department.
Outlook
For the Warriors, the Serbian is a long-term project worth an investment, evidenced by the fully-guaranteed contract the team tendered earlier this month.
The 18-year-old showed a bevy of potential, with numerous highlight-reel dunks during Summer League in Las Vegas. In four games in Vegas, he averaged 8.5 points, adding 5.0 rebounds in 22 minutes.
[RELATED: Smailagić reveals some of DeMarcus Cousins' hilarious trash talk]
In Vegas, Smailagić simultaneously showed why he's worth the contract, while also giving reminders of the work needed to get playing time. While he showed flashes with his dunks, he was frequently out of position for rebounds due to lack of strength.
For much of the season, Smailagić probably will be relegated to pre- and post-practice developmental duties and occasional trips to the G League for extended playing time.
