Ante Zizic would bring a much needed physical presence against the Wizards if he was on the roster.
The Boston Celtics are tied at two games a piece in their eastern conference semi final match up with the Washington Wizards. After Isaiah Thomas carried the Celtics to two straight wins in Boston to start the series, Washington’s physicality got Boston out of their flow and allowed the Wizards to even things up.
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Boston has had issues with matching the physical play of the Wizards front court. Boston’s back court is very physical with players like Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and Jae Crowder, but their front court can’t match the physicality of players like Marcin Gortat and Markieff Morris. This is where 2016 first round pick Ante Zizic could be a factor.
Zizic spent the season in the Euroleague playing under David Blatt, and will be on the roster next year barring any kind of injury. Zizic is known for his physical play, rebounding, and activity on both ends of the floor. Standing 6’11” and weighing 254 pounds, Zizic would be able to match up well with the bigs that have caused Boston problems all year.
As you can see by watching some of his highlights, Zizic moves well, has active hands, and loves contact. At 20 years old, Zizic is visibly punishing grown men on a consistent basis. Even though it’s not the NBA, the Euroleague is the closest thing to it, and it’s a promising sign that Zizic is not overwhelmed by the level of play overseas.
Zizic could play right beside Al Horford in Amir Johnson’s spot on the starting unit. In this series against the Wizards, he could keep Gortat off of the offensive glass, and challenge John Wall when he goes to the basket. Wall has a great ability to pass on his drives. If Zizic were able to be physical with him and play with active hands, those passes would be more difficult.
Gortat has been a major issue in this series. He is averaging 11.5 rebounds in the first four games of the series, and has given Washington a physical edge in the front court. Zizic would be a bigger, more physical version of Johnson, that can rebound way better. The Celtics have had success on defense with Johnson on the floor, but would have a much easier time securing rebounds and defending on the inside with Zizic.
In this case, Zizic would play center, which would allow Horford to play a more natural role at power forward. There, Morris wouldn’t be able to do as much inside on offense, and he would have to leave the paint due to Horford’s ability to stretch the floor. If it’s only Gortat and Zizic inside battling for rebounds while Boston is on offense, I like our chances better than right now with Johnson.
In a series that might be decided by who can be the more physical team, Zizic would be a major help in this area. This is not to say that Danny Ainge shouldn’t have stashed Zizic overseas, but that it’s a good thing he’s coming next season. Blatt praised Zizic’s work ethic and character, and I believe that he could become a starter if Brad Stevens decides to use a traditional lineup next year.
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Until then, Boston will have to make do and dig deep to make it past this physical Wizards squad. Some of the Celtics issues with Washington’s physicality has come from the refs allowing a bit too much, but a more physical presence down low would certainly help this year. Luckily, at least one is on the way.