International Prospect: Nikola Milutinov

[objective]

as i said above, not sure a guy who scores exclusively via two handed dunks will have the same success in the NBA, but he cant be worse than joff

I've been thinking about the two-handed dunks part and re-watching clips, it is nearly exclusive. I can only think of 1 dunk all year that was 1 handed, and 2 more from over 2 years ago. That's after seeing what must be 100 dunks.

It's strange. I've seen pictures of him palming the ball, his hands can't be that small. Moreover, when watching closely ... I don't think he ever jumps off one leg. Or rather, it's as rare as his one handed dunks. Small hands wouldn't explain the lack of jumping off one leg.

Trying to think of a comparison in the NBA, I couldn't really find one. I watched videos that had every dunk that Gortat, Blake, and Embiid had last season. Only Embiid dunked with two hands more than 50% of the time.

FWIW ....

I also went through Milutinov's shot chart for every game in Euroleague this season because there's no good advanced stat sites for euroleague that had what I wanted.

Milutinov in Euroleague is 62-69 in the restricted area in my rough charting, shooting 89.9%. Technically I guess this doesn't translate exactly to the NBA stats on basketball reference because the restricted zone is 4 feet and NBA shooting charts are 0-3 feet. The 0-3 feet numbers for Milutinov might be higher if I my understanding of the restricted area and such is correct, which it might not be.

For contextless comparison, no NBA rotation big shoots more the 79% from 0-3 feet. Some of the players you might expect to have high rates are in the 70s like Gobert and Favors, Towns, Powell, Embiid, etc etc.

Obviously the game is different, but if two-handing is getting his restricted zone shooting so high, then that's a good thing if he can get it done here.

[BackHome]

To me he is a physical pick and roll center who can contribute to our team next season.

[spurraider21]

I've been thinking about the two-handed dunks part and re-watching clips, it is nearly exclusive. I can only think of 1 dunk all year that was 1 handed, and 2 more from over 2 years ago. That's after seeing what must be 100 dunks.

It's strange. I've seen pictures of him palming the ball, his hands can't be that small. Moreover, when watching closely ... I don't think he ever jumps off one leg. Or rather, it's as rare as his one handed dunks. Small hands wouldn't explain the lack of jumping off one leg.

Trying to think of a comparison in the NBA, I couldn't really find one. I watched videos that had every dunk that Gortat, Blake, and Embiid had last season. Only Embiid dunked with two hands more than 50% of the time.

FWIW ....

I also went through Milutinov's shot chart for every game in Euroleague this season because there's no good advanced stat sites for euroleague that had what I wanted.

Milutinov in Euroleague is 62-69 in the restricted area in my rough charting, shooting 89.9%. Technically I guess this doesn't translate exactly to the NBA stats on basketball reference because the restricted zone is 4 feet and NBA shooting charts are 0-3 feet. The 0-3 feet numbers for Milutinov might be higher if I my understanding of the restricted area and such is correct, which it might not be.

For contextless comparison, no NBA rotation big shoots more the 79% from 0-3 feet. Some of the players you might expect to have high rates are in the 70s like Gobert and Favors, Towns, Powell, Embiid, etc etc.

Obviously the game is different, but if two-handing is getting his restricted zone shooting so high, then that's a good thing if he can get it done here.
i dont doubt that 2 handed dunks are high percentage. hard to screw them up.

i dont think he's going to be able to pull that off in the nba. we haven't really seen somebody do that since shaq or prime dwight... constantly just 2 handed gorilla dunk dunk dunk with virtually no other offensive game to speak of (milutinov. shaq had plenty of game)

[BackHome]

He is either going to get dunk or get fouled either one is good. The one thing I really like is he plays tough and sets good picks. He also probably has the best hands of any big we have drafted in a long time he catches everything low high bounce pass and is a good passer and smart player.

[duncan2150]

He’s having some good games lately :

10 pts 4/7 shooting 4/4 ft with 12 rebounds 1 block against malaga last week.

15 pts 9 rebounds 2 blocks 4/6 shopping 7/9 ft tonight against kaunas.

[spurraider21]

He is either going to get dunk or get fouled either one is good. The one thing I really like is he plays tough and sets good picks. He also probably has the best hands of any big we have drafted in a long time he catches everything low high bounce pass and is a good passer and smart player.
again, i'm just skeptical that you can just will yourself to endless two handed dunks in the nba :lol... i'm saying he's not going to have as many opportunities to go up like that, and i'm worried that he doesn't seem to have much of an alternate plan of attack

[BD24]

as Spur Raider has said, it is pretty concerning that he doesn't seem to really have any game outside of 5 feet.

[palangi]

I think you guys just want to worry about something. Nikola had very good touch on his shot. You can see it with his free throws. But you saw it more earlier in the season too. He was hitting 15-18 foot jumpers.

https://youtu.be/kQcE5NpKCN0

[objective]

Small sample, but his jumpers from free throw line and beyond were 5-10 by my quick charting. Free throws is at 76.6% with 5.2 attempts per 40.

[BackHome]

He is not a three point playing outside center. He is physical inside Center who can get you rebounds set good picks and hit the mid range shot I also like the fact the dude can dunk he has good hands. His style of play will fit in very easy with the Spurs players.

[objective]

Have all of his Euroleague games now, at least the ones he scored in anyway.

60 dunks in 588 minutes. That dunk per minute rate would only be surpassed in the NBA by Javale and Capela. Obviously not a 1-to-1 translation, but better than Gobert, Davis, DeAndre, Harrell, Richaun Holmes and Jarrett Allen.

[objective]

His Euroleague playoffs start Wednesday.

[Play Boban]

as i said above, not sure a guy who scores exclusively via two handed dunks will have the same success in the NBA, but he cant be worse than joff
DeAndre Jordan tbh?

[spurraider21]

DeAndre Jordan tbh?
works for him because he's an elite athlete

[Play Boban]

works for him because he's an elite athlete
Is this euroscrub not athletic? Or is it because he’s white tbh? I don’t know.

[objective]

Milutinov's % of 2 handed dunks of all dunks is much higher than Jordan.

A lot of Milutinov's dunks are through contact. Sometimes incidental brushing right through a guy, sometimes through fouls. The 2 hands makes the difference.

For all we know going up with two hands was drilled into him in his youth by a maniacal youth coach who would slap Milutinov across the back with a chunk of tank tread as they practiced on a war torn court. Maybe he'll adjust in the NBA

[BackHome]

I can’t believe Spurs fans are bitching about Him Dunking the ball. We been dreaming of players who are athletic enough to dunk and not lay soft shit that gets ejected ie Gaysoft.

The kid is better then Gasol and would kill Joffrey the Spurs fucked up by not bringing him in this year. But he has used this year wisely and is getting better we have our starting Center next year. And no even if we draft a center they are all 18 year old and are going to take two or three years to develope

[jyra]

And another knee injury: http://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/news/i/8ojk5aqpabhv7iui/olympiacos-loses-milutinov-bogris-to-knee-injuries


Olympiacos Piraeus will play Game 2 of its Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs series against Zalgiris Kaunas without center Nikola Milutinov and Georgios Bogris. Milutinov was injured during Game 1 on Wednesday, but managed to return to action. However, one of his knees swelled up after the game and he has been ruled out for Game 2 and is expected to be sidelined for 10 days. Bogris also has knee problems; an MRI confirmed a meniscus tear that will likely keep him out of action for one month. Milutinov has averaged 9.2 points on 65.7% two-point shooting and 5.9 rebounds in 27 EuroLeague games this season. Bogris has averaged 0.9 points in 15 games in a reserve role.

[spurraider21]

I can’t believe Spurs fans are bitching about Him Dunking the ball. We been dreaming of players who are athletic enough to dunk and not lay soft shit that gets ejected ie Gaysoft.

The kid is better then Gasol and would kill Joffrey the Spurs fucked up by not bringing him in this year. But he has used this year wisely and is getting better we have our starting Center next year. And no even if we draft a center they are all 18 year old and are going to take two or three years to develope
:lol i dont mind the dunking ability

but watching all his game highlights from this season, it appears to be all he can do. that's the concern.

palangi did most a highlight mix which shows an array of moves, but the game highlights dont show he can do any of that on a consistent basis. i'd love him over joff, obviously :lol... but his upside is limited if he doesn't diversify his game

[BackHome]

Damn I just realized you can apply that to most of our current roster. Lol

[objective]

And another knee injury: http://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/news/i/8ojk5aqpabhv7iui/olympiacos-loses-milutinov-bogris-to-knee-injuries

saw reports that mentioned it happened in the 2nd quarter. I watched his 2nd quarter play and I didn't notice anything obvious. There was one sequence where he was rooting a guy out of the way by really getting his legs under the guy, foul called on the other guy, and Milutinov made a grimace, but nothing that screamed knee injury.

In the third there was a play where he jumped and his foot slid down the back of another players leg on the way down causing him to fall and there was some inward bend of his legs, maybe something like an mcl sprain?

[pad300]

saw reports that mentioned it happened in the 2nd quarter. I watched his 2nd quarter play and I didn't notice anything obvious. There was one sequence where he was rooting a guy out of the way by really getting his legs under the guy, foul called on the other guy, and Milutinov made a grimace, but nothing that screamed knee injury.

In the third there was a play where he jumped and his foot slid down the back of another players leg on the way down causing him to fall and there was some inward bend of his legs, maybe something like an mcl sprain?

Unless they are lying, it's 10 days and he doesn't need surgery, so who cares...

[jyra]

Earlier back than expected:

988811070625075201

[BackHome]

Thanks for the update Jra - could you give your opinion of his play if possible? Thanks.

[Chinook]

Earlier back than expected:

988811070625075201

What does that mean? Like has he committed to not coming over again?

[jyra]

Thanks for the update Jra - could you give your opinion of his play if possible? Thanks.

Not much to say that hasn't already been said. But he is not having a great playoff series so far.


What does that mean? Like has he committed to not coming over again?

No, this was just about him being cleared to play. He suffered a minor knee injury a week ago.

[Chinook]

No, this was just about him being cleared to play. He suffered a minor knee injury a week ago.

Oh, that concerned me for a second.

[pad300]

Hey Chinook, as resident cap expert, can the Spurs still bring Milutinov over as a first round pick (with the specific exception to sign your 1st round picks), or will he have to come as capspace/some other exception? If yes, what summer will his 1st round pick exception lapse?

[Chinook]

Hey Chinook, as resident cap expert, can the Spurs still bring Milutinov over as a first round pick (with the specific exception to sign your 1st round picks), or will he have to come as capspace/some other exception? If yes, what summer will his 1st round pick exception lapse?

The exception never "lapses". So long as team keeps the rights, the option to use the rookie scale remains. What happens is that after three years, the team also gets the option to sign the player as if they are a free agent, with the caveats that the contract has to be for at least three years and with each year paying more than the player would have received under the rookie-scale contract.

So yes, the Spurs could use the rookie scale to sign Milutinov. The real question is if Nikola would accept that. There was a rumor last year that he was trying for a Bogdan Bogdanovic contract, and that's obviously way more (both than the rookie scale and than what any sane team would offer him).

[jyra]

Sidelined for a month, looks like he aggravated his recent injury: http://www.sdna.gr/news-english/article/461025/nikola-milutinov-remain-out-action-olympiacos-bc-one-month

[BackHome]

I wonder if the Spurs doctors got involved with his injury?

[Uriel]

What are the chances he gets brought over this summer?

[palangi]

Probably won't. He's obviously not over himself. Just lay the ball up softly. Dunking is so selfish. -:pop:

[spurraider21]

hopefully he see's kawhi's doctors tbh

[Uriel]

Asumming we salary dump Pau this summer to make a run at LeBron, we’re going to need a starting center. Milutinov would fit the bill nicely.

[objective]

euroleague season highlights


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re6bR2KKOkA

[Maddog]

euroleague season highlights


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re6bR2KKOkA

Anybody have a season lowlights?
I ask this only in part facetiously

[spurraider21]

in case anybody was wondering, that highlight video confirms that milutinov is, in fact, capable of jumping and guiding the ball downwards into the rim with both hands

[BackHome]

Hot Damn a Center Who Can Finally Catch A Pass And Then Be Able To Dunk The Ball - Fuck Ya!

If you pair him with White the dude will be killing it. Just watching his games
he is basketball smart he know when to roll to basket set screens and be in position for easy dunks. Him and White can do some serious damage.

[CGD]

Who is the better prospect, him or AP?

[BackHome]

Plug in and Play day one would be Nikola he is actually perfect for half court offense. AP has more potential but that word has killed a lot of teams and Pop is not known for coaching up big men.

[CGD]

Helpful. So spurs should ask for Bolden from Philly instead :-)

[BackHome]

I would hope so he can easily be paired with Nikola he was someone I liked last year. He was a second round draft pick 36 so I think he could be included in any deal.

[objective]

short bit from fansided about Euro advanced stats leaders for stashes and draft prospects

https://fansided.com/2018/05/25/nylon-calculus-box-plus-minus-international-leagues/


Nikola Milutinov: The Spurs’ 2015 first-round selection completed a second strong stash year in the Greek HEBA A1 league and EuroLeague. A solid offensive player, Milutinov’s NBA value will come from his good defense and strong rebounding.

EuroLeague: +1.5 OBPM, +3.5 DBPM, 1.4 VORP (97th percentile in BPM)

Greek HEBA A1: +4.0 OBPM, +8.1 DBPM, 1.5 VORP (99th percentile in BPM)

[objective]

according to this article:

https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/686094/top-10-nba-candidates-from-euroleague/11/

Milutinov's buyout is only $1 million, which is pretty small. The amount the Spurs could contribute towards the buyout in 18-19 is $700k. Only having to cover 300k on his own makes Milutinov easily gettable if the Spurs want him.

[keithington1]

short bit from fansided about Euro advanced stats leaders for stashes and draft prospects

https://fansided.com/2018/05/25/nylon-calculus-box-plus-minus-international-leagues/Athletic Splitter like we all thought

[CGD]

Athletic Splitter like we all thought

If that is true that would be huge and valuable.

And if we do a sized deal involving Leonard we need to get Bolden too.

[objective]

Serbian national team coach worried that Milutinov might miss national play because of possible knee surgery after Greek League Finals

https://www.mozzartsport.com/kosarka/vesti/otpali-teo-radulja-kalina-bjelica-bobi-glumi-ubicu-u-holivudu-lucic-vadi-sraf-iz-noge-dordevicev-apel-milutinovu-odlozi-intervenciju/298047


Situacija već nije tako jasna kad je u pitanju Nikola Milutinov.
“Isto ima klupskih obaveza, posle bi sa klupskim lekarima trebalo da vidi da li ima potrebe da radi intervencije na kolenima koja ga muče. On bi mogao jako da pomogne ekipi, pauzirao je malo i pre ovog plej-ofa. Već sam razgovarao sa njim. Videćemo u razgovoru sa klupskim, ali i našim lekarima kakva će odluka biti. Mi ćemo poštovati svaku odluku. Mislim da možda može da otkaže tu intervenciju, ali to nije na meni“, kaže Đorđević.

google translate


The situation is not so clear now when it comes to Nikola Milutinov.
"He also has club obligations, he should then talk with club doctors if he needs to intervene on his knees that are bothering him. He could really help the team, he paused a bit before this play. I already spoke to him. We will see in conversation with the club, but also our doctors what the decision will be. We will respect every decision. I think he may be able to cancel this intervention, but that's not on me, "Djordjevic says.

[objective]

Also worth noting is this from April 9th, 2018:

https://twitter.com/DimitropulosOCT/status/983328331755065344


Happy to announce a great addition to Octagon Europe, Nikola Milutinov of Olympiakos, San Antonio Spurs 1st-round draft-pick & Euroleague's top center. Welcome to the family Nikola.

Considering that some other agency or agent did his contract with Olympiakos, a brand new contract would get a nice commission for the new agency.

Tweeter is Giorgos Dimitropoulos of Octagon Europe. Parent Company is Octagon Basketball, represents among others Steph Curry, Giannis, Bam Adebayo, OG Anunoby, etc

[ace3g]

http://nba.sport24.gr/article/5236060/spurs-milutinov-to-paixnidi-tis-upomonis

Probably just speculative from foreign site:



The big problem at the moment is Pau Gasol's $ 16,800,000. Information says Spurs will try to swap the tall Spaniard with a bait that the next year ($ 16,000,000) is not guaranteed to open space on their payroll and gain more flexibility than the small they now have. If they do so in early July, then it should be assured that Nikola Milutinov will take his place. Even if Gasol is left in San Antonio, there are many chances to see Serb become his teammate, just the negotiations on both sides will be more "harsh".

Finally, the 23-year-old center has the right to bid farewell to Olympiacos for an NBA team, but to do so, the Piraeus will have to raise $ 900,000 by 20 July 2018.

[Chinook]

Milutinov may well still be eyeing what Bogdanovic got last year. Fuck him and the horse he swims over on if he thinks he's getting anything like that. SA should have plenty of money to bring over Nikola as a developmental player. They don't need to trade Gasol to make room, and even if they were to get rid of Pau, they aren't doing that fully expecting Milutinov to be in the rotation. They'll have another vet center to compete with him, or two if they go back to LMA at PF. I'm still expecting them to want him at his rookie deal, and there's a better chance in my mind of them getting him for it than them paying him more than $3-4 Million a year.

[TD 21]

I doubt Milutinov's representation is delusional enough to think they could get what Bogdanovic got last year.

I wouldn't pay him a cent more than his rookie deal. Zubac and Zizic got that and he's the same caliber of prospect.

If he balks, the likes of Len and Nogueira are available. Sure, they'll cost more, but they're proven, won't break the bank and he's unlikely to be better anyway.

[duncan2150]

I don’t understand why chinook thinks mulitinov wants a bogda deal, bogdanovic was a better and proven prospect a the Time.

He probably wants more than the rookie scale but not 9 million by year.

[BackHome]

I would keep Gasol one more year even though I can't stand him but I understand that it takes bigs longer to grasp the Spurs system. Add to the fact that Nikola has to learn US basketball I think Gasol will be a good mentor and will greatly accelerate Nikola growth.

But it is time to bring him over he was a first round draft and he fits very well with the Spurs system.

[Chinook]

I don’t understand why chinook thinks mulitinov wants a bogda deal, bogdanovic was a better and proven prospect a the Time.

He probably wants more than the rookie scale but not 9 million by year.

But what's "not 9 million by year"? $6 Million? Fuck that. Dude's still a rookie-scale player, and SA is going to be paying his buyout. More than the actual APY, the issue with giving him more is getting a year less of control. A Spanish League MVP like Splitter getting like half the MLE is one thing. A rotational big expecting big money is another. And yes, I think there is something earlier in this thread about them looking at what Bogdanovic got and it factoring into their decision to wait.

[duncan2150]

Not 6 millions , maybe 4-5. When splitter came To SA, salaries were low. Actually 5 millions is under the MLE.

Imo he’ll not command something equal or over the actual MLE but if he wants more he’ll not be a spur. I like him but he is not a 7-9 million/year player.

[objective]

But what's "not 9 million by year"? $6 Million? Fuck that. Dude's still a rookie-scale player, and SA is going to be paying his buyout. More than the actual APY, the issue with giving him more is getting a year less of control. A Spanish League MVP like Splitter getting like half the MLE is one thing. A rotational big expecting big money is another. And yes, I think there is something earlier in this thread about them looking at what Bogdanovic got and it factoring into their decision to wait.

The something earlier in this thread about bogdanovic money was unsourced speculation by you:


Yes the Spurs would be wise to sign him to the exception if at all possible. I think Nikola has a Bogdanovic-like deal in mind. I wouldn't want any part of that.

So you might be remembering your own speculation as something more concrete. Because the first mention of Bogdanovic after he got his deal is by you I think.

No big deal. I posted after that how I was worried the Spurs wouldn't even give him a Splitter deal because of the market opportunities with the mle for this summer.

But I've become more hopeful. Particularly because of the agent change. That agency needs a new deal to get some money, not waiting around years for his euro contract to be up

[Chinook]

The something earlier in this thread about bogdanovic money was unsourced speculation by you:



So you might be remembering your own speculation as something more concrete. Because the first mention of Bogdanovic after he got his deal is by you I think.

No big deal. I posted after that how I was worried the Spurs wouldn't even give him a Splitter deal because of the market opportunities with the mle for this summer.

But I've become more hopeful. Particularly because of the agent change. That agency needs a new deal to get some money, not waiting around years for his euro contract to be up

I went back and read that post by me. I have an edit open in another tab from like a minute after my post that I didn't save for some reason. Anyway, you could be right, but I sort of remember something when Bogdanovic's contract coming out that Nikola or his (previous?) agent commented on it. I'll be happy to be wrong here.

The Spurs drafting Walker makes it less appealing to use the full MLE this summer. Milutinov coming over and signing Metu/another young big should take care of centers. Re-signing at least two of Gay, Anderson and Bertans and either keeping or moving Leonard for a SF takes care of forwards. And Walker, Murray, White, Mills and Green are good for guards, not even factoring in Tony and Manu (or Paul, Forbes, Hanlan, etc). I see them needing maybe a vet PG if they let Tony go, a versatile wing if enough of those guys leave or a vet center to compete with Metu/Milutinov if Pau gets dealt. It's likely that any Leonard trade would involve multiple rotation-caliber players coming back -- more likely, unfortunately than it is for it to involve multiple players from SA going out. I think SA can or at least should have a full rotation without needing outside free agents.

[objective]

True, not spending full mle, say only a Splitter type deal for Milutinov plus a 3 year minimum for Metu does pretty much lock the roster up if they keep as you say 2 of Gay, Anderson and Bertans

Saving that money by not spending full MLE might be useful if they do come to terms with Kawhi in a supermax level deal, gotta keep the payroll as lean as possible going forward if that happened

[jyra]

The FIBA WC European qualifier game is on Friday. We should know more about his health situation by then.

[objective]

I went back and read that post by me. I have an edit open in another tab from like a minute after my post that I didn't save for some reason. Anyway, you could be right, but I sort of remember something when Bogdanovic's contract coming out that Nikola or his (previous?) agent commented on it. I'll be happy to be wrong here.

The Spurs drafting Walker makes it less appealing to use the full MLE this summer. Milutinov coming over and signing Metu/another young big should take care of centers. Re-signing at least two of Gay, Anderson and Bertans and either keeping or moving Leonard for a SF takes care of forwards. And Walker, Murray, White, Mills and Green are good for guards, not even factoring in Tony and Manu (or Paul, Forbes, Hanlan, etc). I see them needing maybe a vet PG if they let Tony go, a versatile wing if enough of those guys leave or a vet center to compete with Metu/Milutinov if Pau gets dealt. It's likely that any Leonard trade would involve multiple rotation-caliber players coming back -- more likely, unfortunately than it is for it to involve multiple players from SA going out. I think SA can or at least should have a full rotation without needing outside free agents.

Project Spurs has a Milutinov piece out that references a Greek writer's opinion on things from June 20 a few days ago.

That Greek writer speculates that Milutinov might ask for the Bogdanovic deal, and that the BAE might be too small.

http://nba.sport24.gr/article/5236060/spurs-milutinov-to-paixnidi-tis-upomonis


Milutinov worked the previous two summers in Texas and had contact with his future team, he knew in 2017 that he had to stay for one more year at Olympiacos. Because after Khem Birch's departure he would become the centerpiece, as well as because he felt he was ready to dominate the EuroLeague, which he had not yet managed to distinguish. In addition to all, he wanted to spend three years from the draft day so he could get the right to negotiate with the Spurs on a zero basis without being bound by the rookie's standard earnings. Dario Saric, for example, moved to the NBA two years after his election to Draft and got a small deal ($ 7,267,680 for three years) in front of Bogdan Bogdanovic's three years after his own choice, he asked and got by the Kings three-year contract of $ 27,000,000.

Given that it's been three years since the Spurs chose him at the end of the first round, Milutinov may ask for whatever he wants. This, of course, means that the agreement with the San Antonio team will be more difficult, without changing the common desire of both sides for an agreement.

...

From Milutinov's side, now, things are simple. The Serbian center will chase a deal like Bogdan Bogdanovic signed with Sacramento Kings ($ 27,000,000 for three years), which the Spurs can give him with the full mid-level exception that will reach $ 8.6 million in the first year of a three-year or four-year agreement. The San Antonio team may use this exception once a year, even if it is above the salary cap limit. It is difficult, unlikely, for the Serb to accept the $ 3.4 million bi-annual exception in his first year at the NBA, and the truth is he has no reason to play for that money.

I would expect a deal for more than 3.4 per year ... I could see 3/12 or 3/15 and I think it would be reasonable. I doubt that the Spurs would ever pay full MLE and I also doubt that Milutinov would demand or stay in Europe. His new agency needs to get their money, after all.

[Chinook]

Project Spurs has a Milutinov piece out that references a Greek writer's opinion on things from June 20 a few days ago.

That Greek writer speculates that Milutinov might ask for the Bogdanovic deal, and that the BAE might be too small.

http://nba.sport24.gr/article/5236060/spurs-milutinov-to-paixnidi-tis-upomonis



I would expect a deal for more than 3.4 per year ... I could see 3/12 or 3/15 and I think it would be reasonable. I doubt that the Spurs would ever pay full MLE and I also doubt that Milutinov would demand or stay in Europe. His new agency needs to get their money, after all.

Thanks. I knew I wasn't the only one with that idea. Eff that writer. First, the Spurs can't sign Milutinov to either the LLE or rMLE. Those both cap out at two years, and any non-rookie-scale deal for first-rounders needs to be at least three. Second, Bogdan at least made the All-Euroleague team before he came over. Milutinov has not grounds to compare contracts with Bogdanovic. I originally thought the article was written like a year ago. It would have made sense then if the writer was still stuck on last year's cap environment. But in the current climate, there's no way you give unproven players but chunks of cash. I only consider a $12M/3 if that last year is non-guaranteed or a team option. I'd also consider $18M/4 if the third year was non-guaranteed and the final year was a team option.

[objective]

No summer league for him and no surgery, he's back with the national team


Good news for the selector and his associates is that from Thursday night the roster of Serbia will be stronger for Nikola Milutin. After regular consultations with club and representative doctors, the Serbian Center decided not to undergo operative surgery to solve the problem with the knee that has been troubling it recently. After the end of the season, Milutinov performed a magnetic resonance which showed that his condition improved, which avoided leaving "under the knife".

source, mozzartsport

[CGD]

Thanks. I knew I wasn't the only one with that idea. Eff that writer. First, the Spurs can't sign Milutinov to either the LLE or rMLE. Those both cap out at two years, and any non-rookie-scale deal for first-rounders needs to be at least three. Second, Bogdan at least made the All-Euroleague team before he came over. Milutinov has not grounds to compare contracts with Bogdanovic. I originally thought the article was written like a year ago. It would have made sense then if the writer was still stuck on last year's cap environment. But in the current climate, there's no way you give unproven players but chunks of cash. I only consider a $12M/3 if that last year is non-guaranteed or a team option. I'd also consider $18M/4 if the third year was non-guaranteed and the final year was a team option.

Not to mention the Center market is BRUTAL this summer. After Dallas signed DeAndrea or Cousins, who else really needs a lumbering Center these days?

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxoaYVlrlmw

[CGD]

not bad, splitter 2.0

[NickiRasgo]

not bad, splitter 2.0

Or Gortat.

[objective]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxoaYVlrlmw

Maybe some of the worst defense I've seen from him, his knee, despite no surgery, looks to still be bothering him

[objective]

Not a Spur this year allegedly

https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/712728/olympiacos-fully-expected-to-retain-milutinov/


Olympiacos fully expected to retain Milutinov

The Serbian center who has been with Olympiacos since 2015, signed a three-year contract last year that included an NBA-out as well as higher salary.

The Spurs who own Milutinov’s draft rights, have the option to bring him over but the deadline is on July 20th.

According to Eurohoops sources, Nikola Milutinov will surely remain with Olympiacos and the announcement is just a matter of time.

[CGD]

Feeling the ship is starting to sail on this guy with the addition of Poertl today. They seem like similar players, and don’t really see the need for two (not to mention Jakob is younger).

[BackHome]

They bring him when they let old man Gasol go next year so we got two young bigs to play with.

[jyra]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpsANBTtdtk

[duncan2150]

I hope he’ll be in San Antonio someday...

[Chinook]

I really don't like how he's developed. Like it's cool that he's a rolling big and can rebound well enough, but his lack of anything else is really concerning, considering this is his fourth season since being drafted. Maybe things would have been different had he come over immediately, but it seems like he'd struggle to do anything more than eat minutes in the NBA. Each year he's over there, he's getting more and more expensive, but the NBA is paying guys with his skill-set less and less. It's not a great combo. For the $4 Millionish he would likely need to jump over, the team could get a big who's already in the league and who has a better track record. So it makes sense for PATFO to hold the line at the rookie scale, while it makes sense for Nikola to want at least double that.

That 2015 draft man. PATFO didn't miss out on a superstar or anything, but there are a number of legit NBA bigs the front office passed on that could have changed the trajectory of the past few years.

[CGD]

Poetl’s addition complicates things for this guy. There really isn’t a need to have two of those types of bigs on the roster anymore. Probably smarter to give players of the Metu profile more of a shot.

[SAGirl]

I really don't like how he's developed. Like it's cool that he's a rolling big and can rebound well enough, but his lack of anything else is really concerning, considering this is his fourth season since being drafted. Maybe things would have been different had he come over immediately, but it seems like he'd struggle to do anything more than eat minutes in the NBA. Each year he's over there, he's getting more and more expensive, but the NBA is paying guys with his skill-set less and less. It's not a great combo. For the $4 Millionish he would likely need to jump over, the team could get a big who's already in the league and who has a better track record. So it makes sense for PATFO to hold the line at the rookie scale, while it makes sense for Nikola to want at least double that.

That 2015 draft man. PATFO didn't miss out on a superstar or anything, but there are a number of legit NBA bigs the front office passed on that could have changed the trajectory of the past few years.
What really puzzled me back then was them signing over Boban for a one year deal. Great opportunity for Boban and I enjoyed watching him that one year but it’s one year they could have had Nikola in the same garbage time role basically, unless it was Nikola who didn’t want to come over at that time. I really don’t know. Watching guys like Metu in the team now, Niko couldn’t have been much worse gone to the Gleague and get his rest games. Either he developed or didn’t but would have had his 2 cheap seasons to figure it out.

With Poltl now in the team I don’t see what role Nikola would have with team at the price you say it would take to bring him over. Another Hanga is what it looks like right now.

[BackHome]

Yeah but JP is playing like shit so who knows what is going to happen to him?

[objective]

I really don't like how he's developed. Like it's cool that he's a rolling big and can rebound well enough, but his lack of anything else is really concerning, considering this is his fourth season since being drafted. Maybe things would have been different had he come over immediately, but it seems like he'd struggle to do anything more than eat minutes in the NBA. Each year he's over there, he's getting more and more expensive, but the NBA is paying guys with his skill-set less and less. It's not a great combo. For the $4 Millionish he would likely need to jump over, the team could get a big who's already in the league and who has a better track record. So it makes sense for PATFO to hold the line at the rookie scale, while it makes sense for Nikola to want at least double that.

That 2015 draft man. PATFO didn't miss out on a superstar or anything, but there are a number of legit NBA bigs the front office passed on that could have changed the trajectory of the past few years.

While I don't think he looks good right now despite the numbers (I think his body has declined since the knee injury and having to play through it in the summer, he looks malnourished compared to before and looks like his knee still hurts) ....

I don't know how else he would show any development.

Olympiakos doesn't have any room for him to develop, because they don't want him to. They don't want him doing anything beyond the dirty work role he's in. It's not like the Adriatic League where guys can show off and get opportunities to be primaries in the offense. Olympiakos has him doing what they want, just like Udoh or Birch or whoever it was before and whoever will come after him. He's there to make life easier for the greeks like Spanoulis, Papinikalou or whoever, not overshadow them.

I do blame the Spurs for not bringing him in over Boban when they had the money and the roster spot, but the FO doing dumb things has happened before.

[MaNu4Tres]

Not a fan of him or Poeltl.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAKGvbBMV98

[objective]

early Euroleague stats for Milutinov

6 games
22.8 minutes per game
11.2 points on 64.3% shooting
7.5 rebounds (4.2 def, 3.3 off)
0.83 blocks per game
1.5 fouls (career best)
career high euroleague PER of 23.5

I hadn't noticed, but David Blatt is the coach of Olympiakos now.

They're 3-3 in Euroleague play

[BackHome]

Gasol is breaking down doubt if he plays 50 games this year and is only going to get worse. Poodle is softer then Splitter and Rasho now I know why the Raptors included him in the KY trade.

Trade Gasol or Poodle bring over Nikola and then draft SF and PF

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Eurohoopsnet/status/1075158262033588226


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdchwoVjqWw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHXXcAfKFZ0

[duncan2150]

He looks like better this year, doing other things than just dunking.

He dishes 5 or 6 assists on his last euro league Game for example.

[CGD]

So what’s the deal with this guy? Don’t we run into the Livio situation where we have to pay him soon?

[objective]

So what’s the deal with this guy? Don’t we run into the Livio situation where we have to pay him soon?

They don't ever have to pay him. He makes more in Europe than the 1st round guarantee, and probably will continue to do so for the next ten years.

[duncan2150]

So what’s the deal with this guy? Don’t we run into the Livio situation where we have to pay him soon?

It Will depends on how much the spurs want To give him and if they really want him ? As objective said he Will command more than the rookie scale.

[CGD]

But isn’t there some quirk, as with Livio, where if the spurs wait too long to bring over a first rounder they are on the hook at pay him? Like up until last season the spurs were paying Livio even though he never suited up. All that to say I think the spurs will need to shit or get off the pot with this guys rights.

[venitian navigator]

Thanks to his european improvement, Milutinov could have become a more than decent trade asset, expecially considering the way bigs are played in the nba nowadays...one thing to consider is that if Pau will not be traded (or waived) soon, his contract is gonna be guaranteed for 16 millions next year. So probably a big decision on our future bigs is in order in the coming days...

[objective]

But isn’t there some quirk, as with Livio, where if the spurs wait too long to bring over a first rounder they are on the hook at pay him? Like up until last season the spurs were paying Livio even though he never suited up. All that to say I think the spurs will need to shit or get off the pot with this guys rights.

The deal with LJC was that he agreed to stay in Europe to give the Spurs a break on the cap and try to develop his non-existent skills, then immediately shredded his knee. The knee became his excuse for not being an NBA player. And not normal a good player, he couldn't make decent money in Europe either.

So the Spurs 'did the right thing' by giving him the two year minimum he would have had if he signed after being drafted. Then they cut him because he couldn't play.

You might be thinking of the rule that after 3 years, unsigned picks don't have to stick to their draft slot salary and can be paid out of cap space or exception money. Like what happened with Splitter. And now can happen with Milutinov. But all the Spurs have to do to keep his rights is offer the first round amount, which Milutinov won't be a threat to take unless he also has a horrible injury.

[objective]

Thanks to his european improvement, Milutinov could have become a more than decent trade asset, expecially considering the way bigs are played in the nba nowadays...one thing to consider is that if Pau will not be traded (or waived) soon, his contract is gonna be guaranteed for 16 millions next year. So probably a big decision on our future bigs is in order in the coming days...

I could be wrong, but I think the guarantee date for Pau is in late June.

[DavidTheGoliath]

https://youtu.be/c3bpl_TtuL0

[duncan2150]

He looks like pretty fit. Could be a Nice pair of young centers with jakob.

[BackHome]

He could play with Poodle as he doesn’t have feet that Poodle but has a decent jumper and is really tough down low. I like that he really gets up for games plays with passion I would bring him over as he and LMA and Poodle could easily with us for 6 yrs.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Eurohoopsnet/status/1081302141707476992

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjN45qC_S8M

[BackHome]

RC will be stupid not to sign Nikola they need to find away to let Gasol go this summer and sign Nikola.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

RC will be stupid not to sign Nikola they need to find away to let Gasol go this summer and sign Nikola.

He's good but he'll probably look for a Bogdanovic-type deal. I wouldn't want them to spend the MLE on a 3rd center to play behind Poeltl when the biggest need is a perimeter defender. If he takes the rookie scale contract then sure.

[duncan2150]

He will not take the rookie scale imo because he can earn more in Europe.

But i agree i will not give him a bogdanovic deal, that’s too Much, more something like 5-6/year.

We just have tWo options : rookie scale or exceptions ? Or We could offer something else ?

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

He will not take the rookie scale imo because he can earn more in Europe.

But i agree i will not give him a bogdanovic deal, that’s too Much, more something like 5-6/year.

We just have tWo options : rookie scale or exceptions ? Or We could offer something else ?

Rookie scale, exceptions or cap space, but the Spurs are unlikely to have any. 5-6 mil/year still eats into the MLE which should be used for a perimeter defender/shooter unless they trade for one.

[duncan2150]

Rookie scale, exceptions or cap space, but the Spurs are unlikely to have any. 5-6 mil/year still eats into the MLE which should be used for a perimeter defender/shooter unless they trade for one.

Thanks

I agree, unless they will have an sg/sf they like with the draft or trade , they will not sign mulitinov imo. I think it’s a mistake as he looks better this year.

[Gordy58]

I know it means nothing but I saw Militinov liked a spurs instagram post of that nice bellineli pass to a cutting Jakob the other night. I could definitely see him take Gasol’s spot. I just hope the Spurs do everything to get him on the team.

[spurraider21]

good to see that he's still practicing the two handed gorilla dunk

[CGD]

Would like to see how his game translates against nba size. Looks like he’s just dunking on midgets. But at least, bare minimum, he’s making himself into a nice trade asset.

[Gordy58]

I think he’ll do great, he has a good bbiq, great screen setter and really knows how to position himself around the basket for those “gorilla dunks” , his offensive rebounding is a plus along with his shot blocking abilities. He’s also a good passer for a big man. If that doesn’t scream Spur than idk what does.

[spurraider21]

how much money would it take to bring him over, realistically speaking?

[objective]

how much money would it take to bring him over, realistically speaking?

Maybe 3/9 if the team is lucky, and up from there if they're not. Wouldn't be shocked at 3/15

[spurraider21]

and no doubt he'd be glued to the bench as he got over himself for the first year. eh...

[duncan2150]

Maybe 3/9 if the team is lucky, and up from there if they're not. Wouldn't be shocked at 3/15

i didn't find how much he makes in Olympiakos... would be interesting to know.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQVRQIXTwJo

[spurraider21]

more gorilla dunks

[duncan2150]

13 pts 7/8 ft with 7 rebounds for nikola

[Degoat]

Gonna be interesting if the spurs bring him over next season, that would mean potentially 3 rookies could be on the roster with him and the 2 first round picks the spurs have.

[objective]

If they keep both picks I'm expecting a stash with the Toronto pick, like Deivadas Sirvydas, Goga Bitadze or Luka Samanic

[smaka]

If they keep both picks I'm expecting a stash with the Toronto pick, like Deivadas Sirvydas, Goga Bitadze or Luka Samanic

I really like Goga Bitadze but I think he'll be out of our reach if he continues to play like he plays right now.

[duncan2150]

I really like Goga Bitadze but I think he'll be out of our reach if he continues to play like he plays right now.

I think so, Samanic looks good too. i don't know a lot about Sirvydas.

Imo if they don't bring mulitinov they will draft a C/PF and a wing, so they will not stash the pick.

[BackHome]

If they trade or let Gasol go they might pick a Center but they would still need to bring over Nikola. There is not one center who is not going to need one or two years of G League to be even playable.

[smaka]

I think so, Samanic looks good too. i don't know a lot about Sirvydas.

Imo if they don't bring mulitinov they will draft a C/PF and a wing, so they will not stash the pick.

Samanic actually plays for my hometown team, so I get to watch him 2-3 times a week. He's made progress from the start of the season. I think he has nice offensive skills, but it is visible that he is still raw, needs to bulk up, get some experience etc. So far he is not a stand out on the defensive end. Would be an interesting stash pick for sure, but I don't see him playing in the NBA just yet.

[duncan2150]

Samanic actually plays for my hometown team, so I get to watch him 2-3 times a week. He's made progress from the start of the season. I think he has nice offensive skills, but it is visible that he is still raw, needs to bulk up, get some experience etc. So far he is not a stand out on the defensive end. Would be an interesting stash pick for sure, but I don't see him playing in the NBA just yet.

Thanks, yes he looks good offensively but still need some work i agree. He could be a good stash , unlike bitadze who could play in the NBA straight away imo.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JszpGUM0aa8

[ace3g]

Hope he is ok...

https://twitter.com/MozzartSport/status/1092122119415173127


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrqiI4UNV8I

[pad300]

Hope he is ok...

https://twitter.com/MozzartSport/status/1092122119415173127


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrqiI4UNV8I

Well, that sucks for him, but he did walk off on his own, so hopefully it's not too bad.

[duncan2150]

https://www.talkbasket.net/36358-nikola-milutinov-questionable-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv

Olympiacos center Nikola Milutinov suffered a knee injury and it is unclear whether he will play against Maccabi Tel-Aviv on Thursday (07/02).
The Serbian player got injured in the “Reds” game against Ifaistos Limnou on Sunday (03/02), with Olympiacos claiming an easy victory on the road (53-73).
Milutinov left the game and did not return, but his injury doesn’t seem to be a serious one. He will undergo medical tests, which will show whether he will be ready to play against the Israelis.

Looks like it's not serious.

[objective]

He has played since that incident.

[BackHome]

Question for international fans who do you think is better and who do you think would be a better fit for the Spurs Nikola VS Goga Bitazde??

[duncan2150]

From what i saw this year imo bitadze is better overall. He can score, block, shoot.

Nikola can block shot or shoot ball but he didn’t do it much.

[objective]

Question for international fans who do you think is better and who do you think would be a better fit for the Spurs Nikola VS Goga Bitazde??

I haven't watched any full games of Bitadze this season.

But from what I saw last year and the highlights this year, Bitadze has a much better shooting touch and is a scorer.

Milutinov is a crusher. He'll crush guys on picks, crush the boards, crush when he finishes.

Milutinov doesn't need the ball and has to play off others, a supporting player.

Bitadze might need the ball more to be effective, but he has more stretch and ball skills

If drafted, Bitadze probably has a better chance to get signed regardless of fit. The cap management has painted the Spurs into a corner, they only have the mle to sign anyone, and any free agent SF will probably take up enough of the mle that there won't be enough to pay Milutinov a salary like he already gets

[BackHome]

Yeah I kinda agree about not being able to sign Nikola and if that is the case Spurs should use him to move up in this years draft. I also think if Goga or Fernando are available the Spurs should draft one of these players.

[duncan2150]

I haven't watched any full games of Bitadze this season.

But from what I saw last year and the highlights this year, Bitadze has a much better shooting touch and is a scorer.

Milutinov is a crusher. He'll crush guys on picks, crush the boards, crush when he finishes.

Milutinov doesn't need the ball and has to play off others, a supporting player.

Bitadze might need the ball more to be effective, but he has more stretch and ball skills

If drafted, Bitadze probably has a better chance to get signed regardless of fit. The cap management has painted the Spurs into a corner, they only have the mle to sign anyone, and any free agent SF will probably take up enough of the mle that there won't be enough to pay Milutinov a salary like he already gets

Agree with you, imo giga has the talent to be a really good Player and Nikola a really good role Player/ starter. I talk about talent/potential.

For Nikola i don't know how much he makes at olympiakos but maybe we could sign him with the BAE ( nearly 3,5)

[objective]

I think the BAE is limited to 2 years. I don't know if that's long enough for him

[duncan2150]

Yes it's only 2 Years and i don't know if it's enough.

[objective]

One thing about Bitadze that people praise is his youth, but he's Georgian, so I wouldn't be surprised if he was really already 21 or 22. He's producing big but I wouldn't expect some exponential growth just based on his listed age

[duncan2150]

I think he changes a lot in 1/2 year. Just look at some highlights With his previous team and this year. He is in a better shape and growing well.

[bluebellmaniac]

What are the main issues with signing Nikola? I surmise it is financial, but can someone break it down into fine detail? Are there issues with his fit on the team? Would he create spacing issues? TIA

[BackHome]

To me White changes everything in that before him (True PG) we didn’t not have anyone who could create easy dunks for our bigs. So if our bigs had no outside shooting ability they were pretty much only getting offense on put backs and cleaning the boards. But White plays that cat and mouse game you either let him dribble in for a easy post or you double him which he now exploits by passing to big for easy dunks.

Most posters will will say that no need for for old style bigs which there is some truth to it but I find it funny every top team in the NBA is making runs at centers just look at Bucks with Gasol. So yeah call me old school but I think we need another center now that Gasol is gone.

The issue with Nikola is we waited to long to bring him over and now he is making money so the contract he wants is not one we wanted to make. Also add that Gasol would have cried has we bought him over as he wants to play all the time even when he is sucking.

I don’t watch enough international ball to say who is a better fit for our team but what I like about both players is that they play with a little attitude. They will not back down from a fight and both are pretty physical players which I like.

But I would imagine we would bring in someone who is a little different then Poodle so Goga is a better shooter but yet Nikola plays more physical which is not Poodles strength.

[Ocotillo]

OK, this guy has value. With Aldridge and Poetl already on the roster and the cap space being what it is, it is unlikely we can sign the guy. Can he be packaged for something? Surely some other team would be willing to give up something for his rights and would have the cap space to bring him over?

[BackHome]

He was a first round pick and is a good player I think he can help us move up in draft or be a good trade piece. Just don’t let him just stay in Europe if we don’t plan on bringing him over then use him in a trade.

[duncan2150]

He is a top 2 center in Europe, he has some value and could be a good C in the nba ( at least a good sub) so I hope if he is not with the spurs next year that we’ll package his rights for something.

He was good last Friday against bitadze team ( who did not play) with a 15 pts (6/7 shooting) 12 rebounds 2 assists 1block.

[ceperez]

He is a top 2 center in Europe, he has some value and could be a good C in the nba ( at least a good sub) so I hope if he is not with the spurs next year that we’ll package his rights for something.

He was good last Friday against bitadze team ( who did not play) with a 15 pts (6/7 shooting) 12 rebounds 2 assists 1block.

If he's serviceable big, then maybe the Spurs don't get a center in the draft.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Eurohoopsnet/status/1108135601612705792


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0F6cmlqCoc

[CGD]

Was that a jump shot??

[BackHome]

Man he is looking good I wish we could bring him over hopefully we can work on a deal which both parties are happy with.

[duncan2150]

Man he is looking good I wish we could bring him over hopefully we can work on a deal which both parties are happy with.

We could have a nice pair of center with him and poetl, Nikola is really good on pick and roll and coulb be decent in the nba.

[duncan2150]

Was that a jump shot??

LOL

[spurraider21]

poodle looks like he'll be around for some time. it comes down to if PATFO is willing to bank on Eubanks to be the backup, or if they dont trust him and have to pay more for milutinov

[BackHome]

I was thinking they might grab Goga in draft but one thing I noticed is that Poodle has a hard time dealing with Physical Centers which Nikola would have no problems with.

[buujness]

Given that the Spurs best starting lineup recently includes both Aldridge and Poeltl, having another big is imperative, IMO. Milutinov would be an ideal guy that could not only play as a really good backup to Poeltl (or take his place as the starter, even), but would also give the Spurs the ability to rest LMA and save him from some of the wear and tear.

I really hope to see him in a Spurs uniform next year.

[TD 21]

I get the sense they'll look to sign Milutinov this off season. The timing is seemingly right on a multitude of fronts.

Not only does preferring to start Poeltl make the need slightly more pressing, but I doubt they pursue a Ariza, Carroll, etc. type, which would mean they'd have a sizable portion of the MLE available (other part could go to a Cunningham replacement) to offer him.

I expect the rotation to return intact (with the re-integration of Murray, obviously), save for the possibility of Forbes being part of a package for either a starting caliber wing or to move up in the draft.

[objective]

I get the sense they'll look to sign Milutinov this off season. The timing is seemingly right on a multitude of fronts.

Not only does preferring to start Poeltl make the need slightly more pressing, but I doubt they pursue a Ariza, Carroll, etc. type, which would mean they'd have a sizable portion of the MLE available (other part could go to a Cunningham replacement) to offer him.

I expect the rotation to return intact (with the re-integration of Murray, obviously), save for the possibility of Forbes being part of a package for either a starting caliber wing or to move up in the draft.

I hope so.

I had been thinking that the MLE would go to an SF or bigger wing but the candidates don't seem to be there anymore. Stanley Johnson who I thought might command a giant part or even full MLE has seen his minutes cut in half since the trade and doesn't look like he'll get that kind of offer based on his current results.

But maybe it does just leave open enough for Milutinov

[BackHome]

I am thinking they see Ben Moore as able to play SF and get minutes he should get a cheap deal allowing them to also sign Nikola. That leaves them one slot or two slots if they decide to release Metu but I would not be surprised for one first to be a draft stash.

[objective]

I wasn't really a fan of taking Bitadze while still having Milutinov stuck stashed, but if they commit to bringing Milutinov over they can just stick Bitadze in the 'stashed Euro' quota

[duncan2150]

Nice Game yesterday Vs kaunas With 18 pts (6/8) and 12 rebounds. I watched some of the Game, he was good on pick and roll, boxing out for rebounds.

I hope we sign him this summer at the good price, he could be a good back up center.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo2KQwqkEfM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6_2OteEVk8

[benefactor]

Probably the best option as a backup C. Bring him over

[CGD]

Probably the best option as a backup C. Bring him over

Yeah, even if just to pump up his value for a future trade (or to more Portle if needed).

[BackHome]

Bring him over end of discussion

[RC_Drunkford]

made the All-Euroleague 2nd team and was a pretty dominant force for Olympiakos this season

[Ocotillo]

I would like to bring him over. I get the folks who say with LMA and Poetl, he would cost too much as a third stringer. Anyway you look at it though, it would be nice to get something out of the pick whether it is trading his rights to someone or bringing him in to take Davis' spot on the roster.

LMA may be out the year after next so it would be nice to see if he and Poetl can be the future at the center position.

[objective]

I would like to bring him over. I get the folks who say with LMA and Poetl, he would cost too much as a third stringer. Anyway you look at it though, it would be nice to get something out of the pick whether it is trading his rights to someone or bringing him in to take Davis' spot on the roster.

LMA may be out the year after next so it would be nice to see if he and Poetl can be the future at the center position.

Also, what is he alternative to not signing him?

The MLE candidates aren't great. Look what the MLE got them last year. Marco was pure trash and played what, 16 minutes in game 7?

That's what the MLE got them. Milutinov could play 15 minutes in the playoffs, same MLE.

[BackHome]

We going to have to go through Denver again and Nikola is a Beast will easily battle the Joker all day long.

[Drom John]

Wikipedida lists this as the current Serbian National Team depth chart.

Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Bench 2 Reserve Reserve
C Nikola Jokić Nikola Milutinov Boban Marjanović Miroslav Raduljica Ognjen Kuzmić
PF Nemanja Bjelica Boriša Simanić Milan Mačvan Nikola Jovanović Stevan Jelovac
SF Bogdan Bogdanović Nikola Kalinić Vladimir Lučić Rade Zagorac Marko Simonović
SG Nemanja Nedović Marko Gudurić Dragan Milosavljević Vanja Marinković Dejan Todorović
PG Vasilije Micić Miloš Teodosić Stefan Jović Ognjen Jaramaz Stefan Peno

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1127641847805956097

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Eurohoopsnet/status/1150384753201336321

[napadaj]

https://i.imgur.com/GBHKa23.gif

And more here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EMCfX13PE8

[spurraider21]

oh wow. a 2 handed gorilla dunk

[BackHome]

oh wow. a 2 handed gorilla dunk

Man after watching pussies like Gasoft try layups and get rejected it would be nice to see some good old fashioned In Your Face Gorilla Dunks :spin

[venitian navigator]

Playing decently against Angola in first world cup game...

[BD24]

oh wow. a 2 handed gorilla dunk
:lol

[BD24]

Homeboy is never coming over tbh.

[Play Boban]

Man after watching pussies like Gasoft try layups and get rejected it would be nice to see some good old fashioned In Your Face Gorilla Dunks :spin
Poeltl does it

[objective]

Milutinov expanding his game? sticking 2 long two-pointers in this most recent euroleague game.

Through 3 games in Euroleague, he's averaging

30:48 minutes, 14.3 points, 13.3 rebounds. 63% shooting.

1st in rebounds per game, 5th in free throws per game (shooting poorly though at 56% while his career numbers are over 70). 2nd in PIR


https://youtu.be/gY1g_19RkXo

[CGD]

Jakob Peoltl insurance store this point. The role of the big man is so diminished these days...

[spurraider21]

any repetitive gorilla dunks lately?

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Eurohoopsnet/status/1267699689350184960

https://twitter.com/cskabasket/status/1267697563735556097

[spurraider21]

he can continue gorilla dunking over their 6'9 centers

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Eurohoopsnet/status/1271825906907017217

[spurraider21]

another first round pick in the toilet

[TimDunkem]

:lmao LMAO And you slurpers were certain for years that this guy was coming when it was obvious he was never in their plans.

[spurraider21]

:lmao LMAO And you slurpers were certain for years that this guy was coming when it was obvious he was never in their plans.
but look at all these highlight videos when he keeps dunking with 2 hands over and over again!

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Sportando/status/1355591212787499010