2019 NBA Mock Draft: Tankers beware

It’s tough not to fall into the trap when analyzing foreign players of comparing them to another foreign player who they have no business being in conversation with. That said, it’s fun, and watching Siminovic genuinely reminds me of an evolutionary Marc Gasol. If Gasol had developed a 3-pointer early in his career, Siminovic would just be his child.

Yet Siminovic moves better than Gasol, has a better frame and already uses a quick second leap to contest shots around the basket. Though he has more lateral speed and traditional athleticism than other European NBA prospects, his movement is somewhat awkward at times and he doesn’t quite have the touch you associate with a great shooter.

His jumper mechanics are frustrating as well, with a lot of extra arm and elbow movement that stops him from shooting at the top of his leap.

At this point, Siminovic’s best attribute is his interior defense, and if he can get stronger, it’s not difficult to imagine him being a fast, switchable defensive big at the next level. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony addressed that upside by saying, “7-footers who can put the ball on the floor, shoot 3-pointers and show some potential switching on the perimeter don’t grow on trees, so NBA scouts will be more than happy to be patient, considering how young he is.”