Player Profile:
“He’s extremely slight in build at this point, and is likely a few years out from meaningful production given some lacking polish in certain aspects of his game. But the upside, ever-so-important, is most certainly in abundance for a potential late first round pick.
Pasecniks’ ability to run the floor, while retaining mobility all the way out to the perimeter, is something that, down the road, should translate to some intriguing offensive opportunities. He can flourish in the mid-range pick-and-pop due to his length, and he has the hands needed to catch lobs around the basket and finish at a high clip in the pick-and-roll as well.
He’ll also do well in rotations on the defensive end, and has the recovery speed needed to avoid being a liability when stretched outside of the paint. He’s a risk, but one worth taking.” — 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0.
Outside Opinion:
Pasecniks’s biggest strength in this draft is size. The 2017 NBA Draft will likely be one short on centers at the top end, and Pasecniks is one of the few available with traditional big size. Standing at 7-foot-2 with long arms and a wiry frame, Pasecniks certainly looks the part of a center. He uses that frame well when rebounding, as he’s able to reach over most European centers for tip-ins and contested boards.
Pasecniks combines size with gazelle-like mobility, both in the open court and the halfcourt. His long strides help him blow by defenders when he has space, and he can be a freight train barreling down the lane with the ball in his hands. He’s thrown down more than a couple rim-rattlers this season, in transition and off of simple pick-and-rolls.” — Trevor Magnotti in FanSided’s Anzejs Pasecniks Is Slowly Becoming the Draft’s Best Center.
Team Fit:
Having already taken Johnathan Motley at the 25th spot, the Jazz opt to go with a draft-and-stash pick with Pasecniks. The 7-2 Latvian possesses a notably high ceiling this late in the draft, combining length and fluidity of movement in a manner that few players can.
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His skill set isn’t overly polished at this point, but he’s a skilled pick-and-roll finisher and boasts range out to the 3-point line on occasion. A 7-2 big who can space the floor, finish at the rim, and block shots has pretty much all the tools needed to develop into a quality NBA player. It’s just a matter of time with the former teammate of Kristaps Porzinigs.