The Golden State Warriors have been sold on Alen Smailagic for a while and they were willing to do just about anything to ensure his draft signing on Thursday. Heading into the 2019 NBA Draft night, the Warriors — originally with two picks — worked their billionaire magic to gain two more.
Alen Smailagic, at just 18 years old, was taken at No. 39 because of the impression he made on the franchise while playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League. The 6-foot-10 forward from Serbia averaged 9.1 points, four rebounds and one assist per game. But, according to Santa Cruz coach Aaron Miles, Smailagic is a complete package in the early stages of formation.
Miles said he was wowed by Smailagic from the first practice and explained what the teenager brings to the team:
He’s young. He works hard — competitive. He’s somebody who’s fearless and doesn’t care who’s in front of him. I love everything he brings to the court and he’s a great kid.
I’m excited for him. And I’m excited for us as an organization.
Rounding out the Warrior’s draft night selections were Jordan Poole (Kansas) at No. 28 and Eric Paschall (Villanova) at No. 41. The Warriors took Miye Oni (Yale) at No. 58 but traded him to the Utah Jazz.
