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The Golden State Warriors got who they were looking for. They traded with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 39th pick in the draft, and used it to select Alen Smailagic.
Sources: New Orleans is selecting Alen Smailagic at No. 39 2019 NBA draft -- and traded to Golden State.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 21, 2019
Smailagic has been on the Warriors radar for quite a long time. An 18-year old sharpshooting forward from Serbia, he spent last year playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League.
Just 17 years old at the time, Smailagic was not allowed to enter the 2018 Draft. The Warriors realized how good he was, and hid him from showcases, in the hopes that he’d be available for them on draft day. He was.
Warriors get the guy they stashed/developed in Santa Cruz last season. An 18-year-old pick-and-pop/slash big from Serbia. Probably destined for another year in SC, maybe as a two-way. https://t.co/OwA5rlBGqN
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 21, 2019
Smailagic didn’t have great numbers in the G League - 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, on 24.4% shooting from deep - but showed a lot of promise.
The Warriors gave up two future second-round picks to acquire Smailagic.
We now know what the Warriors gave up for #39 and the rights to Alen Smailagić. Two future seconds. Easier/cheaper for them to slide into the mid-second this year than in years prior.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 21, 2019
Two picks later, the Warriors drafted power forward Eric Paschall with the No. 41 pick that they acquired earlier in the week.
Paschall spent four years in college - his rookie year at Fordham, and then three seasons at Villanova. As a senior he averaged 16.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
Welcome to the Warriors, Smailagic and Paschall!