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Ante Zizic is Staying In Croatia

By Joshua Bateman

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ante Zizic walks off stage after being selected as the number twenty-three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ante Zizic walks off stage after being selected as the number twenty-three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ante Zizic is officially being stashed overseas after being drafted by the Boston Celtics

It should came as no surprise to hear that the Boston Celtics have officially decided to keep Ante Zizic overseas (according to NBC Sports). The 19 year old was taken with the 23rd pick in this year’s draft and despite a great desire to immediately play in the NBA, everyone has been anticipating that Zizic would have to wait at least one season before playing in the NBA.

The curious aspect of the announcement that Zizic is staying in Europe, is that nothing has been said about the Celtics’ first international pick, Guerschon Yabusele. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that Yabusele is still playing in the summer league. In any case, there is still no reason to believe that either of the Celtics’ two later first round draft picks will be in the NBA this season.

While the Celtics save roster space by stashing Zizic, and it is better for his overall development as a player, there may be some frustration in letting what appears to be an NBA ready athlete who can contribute in at least one area of need.

The Celtics were absolutely killed on the boards last season and Zizic has been looked at as an elite rebounder of his class. They may not need the help as much with Al Horford joining the front court, but the Celtics also have to accommodate the loss of Jared Sullinger and Zizic could, at the very least, provide some serviceable depth on the boards.

Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) battles for a loose ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and center Al Horford (15) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) battles for a loose ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and center Al Horford (15) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

That being said, Ainge has continually preached patience with these young prospects and there is no sense in rushing the 19 year old. Zizic was not drafted for the player that he is right now, because his potential through development could allow him to be a key part of their rotation in the future. The depth he could bring right now is appealing, but they have more important long term plans for him.

The Celtics had a disastrous front court last year and this offseason is the first time they have done a lot to work towards the long term future. Most focus has been on building their core of guards, and now that they feel comfortable with that portion of their roster, the Celtics want to make sure they do everything to get the front court to catch up.

By stashing Zizic in Europe they do not have to worry about him getting lost on the bench. It’s hard to imagine Zizic doing anything more than playing limited minutes off the bench. Barring injuries, he would never get a chance to truly be comfortable in Stevens’ system, slowing down any potential growth or development as a player.

At just 19 years old, Zizic still has a long ways to go in discovering what kind of player he is. The Celtics still do not know exactly what they can expect from Zizic, and allowing him to play in Europe will give the Celtics a much better idea of what he can develop into.

Being on the Celtics could trap Zizic, preventing him from growing into much more than the player he is right now. Now, Zizic will get the time on the court that he needs to discover exactly what he can be as a player in the long term and the Celtics will be able to better gauge what they need to do to make sure he develops properly.

Next: Rozier Must Build Off Summer League Success

Once summer league concludes, expect a similar designation for Yabusele. The Celtics did a great job of adding high end talent to their front court in Horford, and now they are making sure they are patient enough to secure the depth and long term future of their front court.

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