Posted: Jun 5, 2018 | Updated: 2 months ago
When it comes to “international” players in the 2018 National Basketball Association (NBA Draft), the conversation has been largely centered on Slovenian guard Luka Dončić, who will almost certainly be taken among the top three or four picks.
But the next European player to be taken after Luka Dončić hasn’t seemed to generate nearly as much headlines, even though he could be one of the most intriguing talents in this year’s draft class as well.
That player would be forward Dzanan Musa from Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Musa is an 18 year-old forward standing 6-foot-9, who’s been playing for Croatian club KK Cedevita Zagreb for the past three seasons. He’s a veteran of international competition as well, having participated in the the Adriatic League, EuroCup, and Croatian League. When he joined the Euroleague, he was still months away from his 17th birthday, making him the ninth-youngest player to make his debut in the EuroLeague since the turn of the century. Point being: at only 18 years old, Musa is already something of a seasoned professional.
Luka DončićMusa is capitalizing off the momentum he’s generated from his play at KK Cedevita Zagreb, having scored an average of 12.2 points per game last year (shooting 61% from two-point range and 34% from three), while tallying 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 23 minutes per game (in 58 games).
Looking for a way to take your love of the NBA to the next level? Visit goldenslot.
Musa’s combination of professional experience (which will hopefully translate into him getting playing time immediately), basketball IQ, and high-motor playing style will endear him to NBA scouts. He’s a gifted offensive playmaker, with a quick release that’s not afraid to use from anyone where n the floor, a good first step that he can use to finish around the rip with either hand, and a developing jump shot that’s getting better from three point range (an absolute must in today’s game). As a wing player, he knows how to handle the ball, take his man off the dribble, or deliver a timely pass to a cutting teammate; like most European players, he shows great court vision.
Where critics will pick apart Musa’s game is a familiar refrain for many prospects coming from Europe: his defensive game. Like many international players, scouts will debate what it means that Musa might be a better basketball player than athlete overall. The NBA tends to take raw athletes over polished players because they want players who will get better as they get older.
While Musa has NBA height, there are worries as to how much size he can pack on his slight frame, without taking away from his already somewhat-marginal explosiveness. That lack of explosion and athleticism is also evident on defense, as his lateral quickness is certainly a question mark, especially for someone who will be spending most of his time playing on the wing. In a world where the “3-and-D” wings are ever in demand, what does it mean that Musa’s three-point shot is still developing, and his “D” skills leave a lot to be desired?
For those who are talking about Musa, that’s what the conversation will likely entail. Some believe that we might be “missing the forest from the trees” for Musa, who’s been so heavily scouted — and perhaps over-analyzed — over the past few years. But if some team understand and accepts him for what he is — namely, a gifted offensive playmaker — he could be right up there with Luka Dončić, as far as being a valuable prospect.
8 Shares More Posted: Mar 8, 2024 | Updated: 2 weeks ago The NBA can be an unsettling time for many players – with the prospect of moving teams, moving cities, moving house and so on. But then there is a case like Kelly Olynyk, where the Canadian gets traded…
Continue Reading...
Michael Jordan's net worth stands at a staggering $3 billion. Jordan, renowned worldwide for his exceptional talents on the basketball court, has amassed a remarkable fortune. Underscoring not only his unmatched status as a sporting icon but also his extraordinary success as a savvy businessman and generous philanthropist.
Continue Reading...
The Golden State Warriors, a team synonymous with NBA excellence, have found themselves in a familiar narrative yet again. Despite whispers of a dynasty's demise echoing through the league. The Warriors are proving that reports of their downfall have been greatly exaggerated. With a resurgence that has captured the attention…
Continue Reading...
42 Shares More Posted: Jan 18, 2024 | Updated: 2 months ago The trade deal to send Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors to the Indiana Pacers has been officially completed. The NBA trade deadline ends on the 8th of February and the top teams across the league are looking…
Continue Reading...
46 Shares More Posted: Jan 17, 2024 | Updated: 2 months ago Nikola Jokic, also known as “The Joker,” has taken the NBA by storm with his unique style of play and impressive skills on the court. From being a relatively unknown player to becoming one of the league’s top…
Continue Reading...
36 Shares More Posted: Oct 15, 2023 | Updated: 1 month ago The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen many legends grace its courts over the decades. As we attempt to rank the top 10 NBA players of all time. The NBA’s rich history boasts a diverse array of talents,…
Continue Reading...
30 Shares More Posted: Sep 18, 2023 | Updated: 5 months ago When we talk about the NBA, we generally talk about it as the greatest basketball event in the world. The league was where legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Lebron James played. It´s…
Continue Reading...