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Boston Celtics commentary: It’s time to jump on the Ante Zizic hype train

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ante Zizic walks off stage after being selected as the number twenty-three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ante Zizic walks off stage after being selected as the number twenty-three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics 2016 first-round pick Ante Zizic will focus on making his journey to the NBA for the 2017 season, which is good news for the C’s frontcourt. 

The Eastern Conference finalists are in need of a rim-protecting, rebounding big man and one could be on the way.  Although there are expectations that the Boston Celtics will address that need via free agency, a trade or even deep in the draft this summer, the team will have an opportunity to see what 6-foot-11 draft-and-stash prospect Ante Zizic can offer.

That’s right, the 20-year-old talent has decided to pull out of EuroBasket ’17 to focus his attention on making the 2017-18 version of the Celtics.

The 23rd overall pick in the 2016 draft, Zizic has excited Celtics fans – those who have been following – with his impressive play in Euroleague games (including a 37-point, 20-rebound game).  He averaged just nine points and 6.7 rebounds, but has demonstrated the type of big man skills the Celtics were desperately in search of all season long.

Perhaps that need spiked up the hype just little, but the possibility to see what he can do in the NBA is exciting in the least.  Those who have seen him play overseas have been impressed.

Here is what one international star had to say about the big man, via the Sporting News:

"“He has been someone who has sort of caught everyone’s eye here.  He was supposed to be a long-term project, but he has come out and shown a lot of improvement since he was drafted. He has the usual things he needs to do, like (improving) his jump shot, like getting bigger, adding some muscle. But he is very athletic for his size (6-11, 255), he runs the floor so well, he is tough, he holds his own against older guys and he has good hands and footwork inside. He’s come a long way, defensively, too.”"

Patience is key

Although he has had some impressive games while playing for KK Cibona, it is important to inject some patience in his development with the team.

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens is not particularly known for giving a ton of playing time to his young players.  There were times last season where the No. 3 overall pick, Jaylen Brown, didn’t even get off the bench.  But, the team was also loaded with players at Brown’s position.

Related Story: Celtics Draft Pick Ante Zizic Has Monster Game Overseas

But, with the need of a big man who can provide a presence down low, Zizic could earn some minutes if he makes the team and impresses Stevens.

So, unless he is involved in a trade for a proven veteran, the Boston Celtics will have a player in camp who will garner possibly as much attention as the potential No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz or whoever Danny Ainge stuns the world selecting.

Interesting times indeed in Boston.

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