2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves
By Chris Stone
Anzejs Pasecniks
C, Gran Canaria
The San Antonio Spurs have seemingly made a seamless transition into the Kawhi Leonard era, but the collection of big men that they have relied upon this season could use an upgrade. 21-year old Anzejs Pasecniks could help either as a draft-and-stash option or as someone who could come over to reinforce the ranks next season. The 7-foot-2 center is averaging 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game across all competitions for Gran Canaria in 2016-17.
Pasecniks isn’t a floor-spacing big man, but he otherwise fits the modern game well. He is a terrific pick-and-roll diver who operates well in space, has nice footwork and finishes consistently at the rim. That skill set will play well in a league that relies so heavily on the pick-and-roll. Pasecniks also has some offensive upside. He’s made 8-of-17 3-pointers this season and might eventually be able to expand his game out to become a reasonable 3-point threat.
Defensively, his fluidity and athleticism gives him the ability to stay in front of some smaller players, opening up options for a head coach in pick-and-roll defense. His rim protection for a 7-foot-2 center is not elite, but he does have a 4.9 percent block rate and should provide at least some resistance at the rim.