Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Ante Zizic ready to bring toughness to Boston

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 23: Ante Zizic shakes hands with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 23rd overall by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 23: Ante Zizic shakes hands with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 23rd overall by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Boston Celtics fans will finally get a chance to check out rookie Ante Zizic this summer as he will participate in the NBA Summer League.

With the Boston Celtics out to make a splash this offseason through free agency and via trade, there will be much attention set towards players representing their future.

One of those players is 20-year-old Croatian big man Ante Zizic.  Drafted with the No. 23 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Zizic was a draft and stash selection who made a name for himself while playing in the Adriatic League and later the Turkish league.

In fact, he pretty much dominated overseas.  Not only did he impress coaches and opposing players, he added excitement and anticipation for fans of the team that drafted him.

More from Chowder and Champions

Bring on the toughness

The main reason for that excitement is that he could provide something the team was missing all last season.  With his rebounding and ability to protect the rim, Ante Zizic could give the Celtics something they have been searching for.  He is certainly ready and believes he can help the green.

"“I think I can help this team with rebounding and toughness, because that’s my style of game.  I prefer that,” Zizic said Friday, via the Boston Herald."

That’s the kind of attitude the Celtics need from their big men.  They also need a young big man who will have no problem adjusting to the NBA.  Playing under former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt, the rookie has already had exposure to an NBA-style system.  Although the competition will be much more advanced, Zizic feels he is ready to take the next step in a Celtics’ uniform.

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

"“(Blatt) prefers an NBA style of game, so when I arrived in Istanbul and Darussafaka in a couple days I learned how NBA teams work,” he said.  “NBA is totally different.  I need a little bit of time to adjust to all the rules and what I can do in the game, but of course I just want to keep improving because I am only 20 and I think I can improve every single detail of my game.”"

If he does continue to improve and show any glimpse of the dominance he showcased overseas, the Boston Celtics will have the type of big man that can help establish some muscle underneath the basket.

Next: Boston Celtics free agency: Let the Blake Griffin sweepstakes begin

For more Boston Celtics roster news, keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.

Home/Boston Celtics