King Baller
All-Star
Welcome Vanja!
Vanja Marinkovic
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ockingsfan
Starter
I wouldn't be surprised if Vanja took the Bogdan route to the NBA. Stay overseas for a couple more years, until he gets stronger and more polished and then come over to the NBA when he is ready.
With the roster full with guards, he may be better off staying in Europe for a couple of years, until he is really ready to contribute at the NBA level.
With the roster full with guards, he may be better off staying in Europe for a couple of years, until he is really ready to contribute at the NBA level.
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Vanja is actually good pick from that spot.. he was projected to be Bogdans successor and started playing professional basketball at age of 16, and played in Euroleague at age of 17..
his biggest problem was that coach that pushed him to play, coach that created Bogdan, left and Vanja changed 4 coaches by now.. he had many problems with his game, he stagnated a lot, showing glimps of talent, than again going down.. but this season he is finally going somewhere, he is more stable in the game and he finally has a coach that can help him..
he is pure SG, not like Bogdan that can take PG position, good shooting, good IQ, can run.. still few years away from NBA, but can be decent rotation player..
in my opinion Kings wanted a SG that can shoot, run and has good IQ, so they took 3 same players and then they will let them fight for that spot..
his biggest problem was that coach that pushed him to play, coach that created Bogdan, left and Vanja changed 4 coaches by now.. he had many problems with his game, he stagnated a lot, showing glimps of talent, than again going down.. but this season he is finally going somewhere, he is more stable in the game and he finally has a coach that can help him..
he is pure SG, not like Bogdan that can take PG position, good shooting, good IQ, can run.. still few years away from NBA, but can be decent rotation player..
in my opinion Kings wanted a SG that can shoot, run and has good IQ, so they took 3 same players and then they will let them fight for that spot..
"The Serbian Sniper"
G-League
In short notes...
Strenghts:
- good shooter, can be very fired up, has a long range too
- solid physical tools, can be very good in transion, as you can see on the clip (fastbreak dunks and layups, chasedown blocks...)
- not low basketball IQ
Weaknesses:
- cant create a lot off the drible, but he can attack the rim after pick and roll
- can be streaky shooter sometimes
- not too smart either
Overrall, he made an improvment this year and if he continues getting better, i think he can be solid role player in year or two. From this angle, i dont think he is NBA rotation calibar, but he could become one. He has solid euro basketball experience, but has a room to improve too.
Strenghts:
- good shooter, can be very fired up, has a long range too
- solid physical tools, can be very good in transion, as you can see on the clip (fastbreak dunks and layups, chasedown blocks...)
- not low basketball IQ
Weaknesses:
- cant create a lot off the drible, but he can attack the rim after pick and roll
- can be streaky shooter sometimes
- not too smart either
Overrall, he made an improvment this year and if he continues getting better, i think he can be solid role player in year or two. From this angle, i dont think he is NBA rotation calibar, but he could become one. He has solid euro basketball experience, but has a room to improve too.
Thanks for that. I think at just over 6 ft Guy will be brought along as a PG with a deadly shot. Hope that works.
Taking three guards makes for bizarre draft and a much anticipated free agency.
I think if Gafford had fallen two more slots he would have been the pick at 40 and hopefully a serviceable back up center. But really, if any of these guys become rotation players it's a good 2nd round pick.
My guess is that Marinkovic doesn't come over next season and Guy & James get a look in the summer as a third string PG and wing respectively.
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Jkbiker
Starter
The Sacramento Kings closed out the 2019 NBA draft by selecting Vanja Marinkovic. They previously picked Justin James and Kyle Guy, but held their European taste for last place. Afterwards, GM Vlade Divac mentioned Marinkovic is among Europe’s top talents noting his side will launch talks with the 22-year-old Serbian guard’s current team, Partizan NIS, to bring him to Sacramento. Marinkovic, who is attracting Olympiacos’ interest, is under contract with Partizan for one more season. However, his deal includes a modest buyout clause for either an NBA team or a European club
https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/896288/kings-ready-to-negotiate-buyout-for-marinkovic/
So Is Vlade gonna bring him over now?
https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/896288/kings-ready-to-negotiate-buyout-for-marinkovic/
So Is Vlade gonna bring him over now?
I followed Vanja's development for a few years now, and he hasn't really made the big jump like a lot of people were hoping. He plays for the same team Bogdan started off with: KK Partizan. He's also 6'6 with a very similar physical build as Bogdan. He's also got the shooting ability. During the same year Bogdan left to Fenerbache was the same year that Vanja got promoted from the junior team. As you can imagine, he had some pretty big steps to fill. 2 years ago he made a big jump at 20 yearsold. But since then, his improvement has stagnated. I think a lot of people there realize he won't be their Bogdan replacer (combo guard), but he can still be a good player (3pt specialist).
For the Kings, he's still young at 22 years old. His shooting is good, but a little inconsistent. I think he needs to work on improving his body, although that never seems to be a point of emphasis in Europe. This is my dilemma with bringing him over or letting him develop overseas. I think his overall skills need to be refined like Bogdan, but his body and conditioning needs work. I don't think he can improve his body in Europe.
He's a project, but I do like him. edit: not on this board, but I've seen lots of people in another certain board allude to a theory that Vlade only drafted him as a favor to someone in Serbia. That's pretty insulting to Vanja. These guys are on our team now and we should root for them moving forward.
For the Kings, he's still young at 22 years old. His shooting is good, but a little inconsistent. I think he needs to work on improving his body, although that never seems to be a point of emphasis in Europe. This is my dilemma with bringing him over or letting him develop overseas. I think his overall skills need to be refined like Bogdan, but his body and conditioning needs work. I don't think he can improve his body in Europe.
He's a project, but I do like him. edit: not on this board, but I've seen lots of people in another certain board allude to a theory that Vlade only drafted him as a favor to someone in Serbia. That's pretty insulting to Vanja. These guys are on our team now and we should root for them moving forward.
ockingsfan
Starter
With the Kings overloaded with shooting guards now, (Buddy, Bogdan, Justin James, Kyle Guy), he would probably be better served to finish out his one more season under contract in Europe and come over next year.
One advantage though, if he came over this year would be that Bogdan can take him under his wing and mentor him.
If Vanja pans out, he may be taking Bogdan's roster spot next off season, if Bogdan prices himself out as a free agent next summer.
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bajaden
Hall of Famer
The advantage of his coming over now is that he's under the Kings control. He would likely spend the entire year in Stockton, adding strength, and working on his weaknesses. Player development works best when it's hands on, and not depending on another teams idea of what he should be working on. The only problem is that he'll take up a roster spot regardless of where he spends next season if he comes over. That said, I suspect that Walton will shorten up his rotations a bit from last season, barring injuries.
I noticed that Jontay Porter went undrafted, unless there was some trade I missed, which was very possible, with all the trades that went down, especially in the 2nd rd. I wore out an eraser last night. Would he be worth a two way contract knowing he couldn't play, but that he might be very valuable in the future?
It's going to be interesting to see who the Kings recruit for their summer league team. There's a lot of undrafted talent to choose from, and with every team having 2 two way contracts available, those summer league spots become more valuable.
ockingsfan
Starter
Well, Yes and No. It is usually good to have your players develop in your system (U.S. or Canadian players), but I have noticed that late 2nd round European players that remain near their homeland for a couple of years as they grow and mature seem to be more impactful when they do finally come over to the NBA, rather than sitting on end of the bench or in the G-League.
How many Euro players that are drafted late in the 2nd round and not ready to actually play in the NBA make any impact in the NBA developing in the G-League or buried on the bench?
I haven't done the research, but it seems to me that Bogdan's route of developing close to home and then coming over to the NBA better prepares Euro players for making an impact in the NBA.
It may be both emotional and physical growth and maturity that helps these players succeed once they do come over. They are already at a disadvantage drafted late in the 2nd round and moving over to a whole new continent. A few years of emotional growth and maturity may help them with the fortitude to become a NBA player.
There seemed to be a little bit of speculation last night that Porter was hoping to go undrafted so he could sign with the Nuggets and play with his brother. Not sure how true that is, and not sure how well that would work seeing as the Nuggets are going to be dealing with one broken center already in Bol, but I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up there.
Section 101
All-Star
Section 101
All-Star
Doubt it since they got Bol.
Kings_of_California
Starter
And they also have Jokic, Plumlee, Lyles and Porter. I don't see the fit. Unless one of those guys is a FA that I didn't notice. They also have their 2nd round pick last year, big man Thomas Welsh on a two way.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
These are European players that played in the G-League last season:
Manu Lecomte
Elie Okobo
Isiah Hartenstein
Dzanan Musa
Naz Mitrou-Long
Retin Obasohan
Kostas Antetokoumpo
Isaac Bongo
Gyorgy Goloman
Darel Poirier
Alen Smailagic
Smailagic, who came over and started playing in the G-League for the Warriors at age 17, was rewarded by the Warriors last night when they picked him with the 39th pick. I can't imagine why anyone would think having a player playing over in Europe, would be better than having him in your organization, being taught your offensive and defensive scheme's, and working with your team doctors and trainers.
You may have his draft rights, but until his name is on the dotted line of a contract, you have no control over him.
ockingsfan
Starter
So, out of those players, which one has made an impact in the NBA?
If a player is a good 2 or 3 years from being ready to contribute, having him sit at the end of the bench or G-League, I don't think really helps. Staring in Europe builds these players confidence and game, and on the Euro teams dime too.
It may be great to have them over here, but like Papa G, a lot of these guys are years away from contributing to an NBA team. I think players like Papa G would had benefited in staying in Europe for a couple of years, before coming to the NBA. He may still be in the NBA now, had he gone that route. Instead of flaming out so quickly.
I remember having the same sentiment that Papa G should had stayed in Europe a couple of years before he came to the NBA. But, a lot of people on this board were so happy to see him signed that summer with the Kings, even though he was clearly not ready for the NBA. He may have developed differently had he not rushed to be with the big league club.
When a Euro player comes over and is not close to contributing (i.e. projects or late 2nd round picks), I think the chances of them making it in the NBA is slim. Give him a few years to shine and mature in a professional league in Europe, then he may have a chance.
Look at all the late 2nd round Euro players selected. Most never make it in the NBA and those that do largely stayed over in Europe a couple of extra years, before they came over.
These are the so called "Draft and Stash" players that smart teams like San Antonio and Boston often do. Watch their development from afar and when they are ready, bring them over to the NBA. You don't see San Antonio sign these "Draft and Stash" type players right after the draft, they patiently wait and see if they become ready in Europe and then bring them over at the opportune time.
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ParniValjak
All-Star
Vanja is no Bogdan so lets get that sorted straight out. He is a good, albeit a streaky shooter. Personally, I think he would be better of honing his skills in Europe for another 2-3 years with a Euroleague team (Partizan played Eurocup). With all due respect to the G-League, the level of competition and quality of basketball just simply cannot be compared. There are more high intensity games played in Europe than there is in G-League. The skill level, the players, the level of competition in general is significantly better.
Vanja needs to be smart about making the right choice with his next team. IMHO, he should go to a good Euroleague team that has a coach that has a track record of developing players. Develop there for 2-3 years and then come to the NBA ready to contribute. If he comes over now, he will be back in Europe before he can blink.
I often compare, Bogdan and Nedovic who was arguably a greater prospect in terms of talent. Bogdan chose to stay in Europe, picked his next team correctly after Belgrade, worked on his game and then went to the NBA asa player ready to contribute. On the other hand, Nedovic went to the NBA as soon as he was drafted and bounced around the then D League, dropping 30+ on a regular basis. He was back in Europe a couple of years later. Be smart Vanja!
Vanja needs to be smart about making the right choice with his next team. IMHO, he should go to a good Euroleague team that has a coach that has a track record of developing players. Develop there for 2-3 years and then come to the NBA ready to contribute. If he comes over now, he will be back in Europe before he can blink.
I often compare, Bogdan and Nedovic who was arguably a greater prospect in terms of talent. Bogdan chose to stay in Europe, picked his next team correctly after Belgrade, worked on his game and then went to the NBA asa player ready to contribute. On the other hand, Nedovic went to the NBA as soon as he was drafted and bounced around the then D League, dropping 30+ on a regular basis. He was back in Europe a couple of years later. Be smart Vanja!
I agree. I really think Vanja would heavily benefit from staying in Europe a few more years to work on his skills. Maybe it's selfish of me, but the Kings would definitely benefit from having him develop for free in Europe. He's not going to contribute for at least a year, probably 2-3, so why not just leave him in Europe? If the Kings want to bring him over I have to think it's probably something along these lines:
A) Vlade wants to control his development. I think they'd emphasize his skills and body.
B) Vlade thinks he can contribute sooner rather than later. Theoretically, he could instantly come in and provide spot up shooting.
I agree with you, I really think it could be in Vanja's best interest to follow the Bogdan route. But maybe he can surprise us all?
Hrmms.. conflicting report from Jason Anderson?
LPKingsFan
All-Star
Anderson’s story includes some additional language from the above tweet: Marinkovic will “continue to develop while playing internationally,” a team source said, and is unlikely to come to the United States anytime soon.
That’s in the context of summer league, yes, but still sounds like they may let him season a bit longer overseas.
That’s in the context of summer league, yes, but still sounds like they may let him season a bit longer overseas.
Dongoodboy
Bench
If he is not Serbian he won't be drafted, let's be honest. I don't see him coming to NBA, like ever, if he didn't take a leap in future 2 years
krylia sovetov
Bench
True
He can "disappear" on certain matches or certain periods of season. But let's sit back and follow his progress.
He can "disappear" on certain matches or certain periods of season. But let's sit back and follow his progress.
ockingsfan
Starter
I think this is best for Vanja long term viability in the league. Let him develop his body and game over in Europe, where he can be a focal point and play meaningful games. Euroball is the second highest level of basketball in the world.
Much like these late 2nd round or undrafted college players that came out way too early. Wouldn't it be nice if a team could draft these guys due to talent, but then let them return to college for 1 or 2 years for seasoning? This is essentially what you do, when you have these late 2nd round picks return to Europe for a couple of years.
They develop under someone else's dime and you get to reap the benefits when and if they are ready to contribute. Since we own Vanja's draft rights, we control when and where he ultimately plays in the NBA. Plus, we won't tie up a roster spot on the big league club for a player that is not ready to contribute.
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Kingster
Hall of Famer
Off topic somewhat, but I really think that Baja should get an invite from Divac and the Kings to some of their scouting meetings and maybe even go along on personal scouting visits with a Kings' scout. He'd have to sign something in blood that he wouldn't divulge confidential info, but of all the people I've seen on this board (or any other board) he knows more facts about more players by far than any other fan by far. It would be fantastic PR by the Kings to do something like this, and I don't think I'm being presumptuous in saying that it would be a major bucket-list experience for Baja. And who knows? - Maybe the Kings can learn something from Baja's insights on some of these college players. This is the start of my petition to have Baja an honorary scout on the Kings scouting staff.
since I read this forum, this is a first time I disagree with @ParniValjak
although I do think Vanja will stay in Europe, best thing for him would be to move to G-League.. in my opinion if a player wants to play in NBA, every year he stays in Europe, he is further away from NBA..
it is true that you play more competitive matches in Euroleague (but not like before), than G-League.. but in Europe they prepare you more how to be servicable to a team, than to be a better player as individual.. second thing is that everything, starting from assistant coaches to facilities are on whole another level.. even if you compare it with Fenerbahce, who has maybe best facilities in Europe, it is still slim comparing even to USA college teams..
as for Bogdan and Nedovic.. well Nedovic could not play in GSW, even if he spent 3 years in Europe, he does not have quality to play there.. if he went to for example Orlando or Phoenix, it would maybe be different.. as for Bogdan I also think he will, next and especially season after, after couple of years working in NBA really explode, and he would be much better now, if he went straight after Partizan to NBA..
Bjelica had interview few weeks ago, that if he is now young player he would skip Euroleague and moved to NBA.. because, he said, what he learned in Fenerbahce, did not mean anything to him in NBA.. he was developing as a piece of a system, not as an individual.. until NBA he was not really working on his body..
and also I think problem with Euroleague is that now there are to many matches, and less competitiveness than before.. One third of teams is in play off, and they calculate, one third is out of play offs and they lost edge, and you have 4-5-6 teams that fight for 2-3 spots..
so overall for Vanja would be better to go to G-League, and spends two years working on his body and working more individually on weaknesses, than to spend time in Europe..
but I think he will stay in Europe..
although I do think Vanja will stay in Europe, best thing for him would be to move to G-League.. in my opinion if a player wants to play in NBA, every year he stays in Europe, he is further away from NBA..
it is true that you play more competitive matches in Euroleague (but not like before), than G-League.. but in Europe they prepare you more how to be servicable to a team, than to be a better player as individual.. second thing is that everything, starting from assistant coaches to facilities are on whole another level.. even if you compare it with Fenerbahce, who has maybe best facilities in Europe, it is still slim comparing even to USA college teams..
as for Bogdan and Nedovic.. well Nedovic could not play in GSW, even if he spent 3 years in Europe, he does not have quality to play there.. if he went to for example Orlando or Phoenix, it would maybe be different.. as for Bogdan I also think he will, next and especially season after, after couple of years working in NBA really explode, and he would be much better now, if he went straight after Partizan to NBA..
Bjelica had interview few weeks ago, that if he is now young player he would skip Euroleague and moved to NBA.. because, he said, what he learned in Fenerbahce, did not mean anything to him in NBA.. he was developing as a piece of a system, not as an individual.. until NBA he was not really working on his body..
and also I think problem with Euroleague is that now there are to many matches, and less competitiveness than before.. One third of teams is in play off, and they calculate, one third is out of play offs and they lost edge, and you have 4-5-6 teams that fight for 2-3 spots..
so overall for Vanja would be better to go to G-League, and spends two years working on his body and working more individually on weaknesses, than to spend time in Europe..
but I think he will stay in Europe..
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