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Young Boston Celtics big man Ante Zizic still has a long way to go

By Riley Culler

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) /
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Boston Celtics 2016 1st round pick Ante Zizic doesn’t look as NBA ready as many fans hoped for. The 20-year-old may need another year to prepare before he is NBA ready.

It is still very early, but what I’ve seen from Ante Zizic in his limited with the Boston Celtics hasn’t been great. Zizic is only 20, but the hype surrounding him this past season was real, and possibly premature. He will most likely still make the team, but Zizic isn’t as NBA ready as we had thought.

Many people don’t take the NBA Summer League that seriously, which is understandable given the talent level on the court. Unfortunately Zizic has been underwhelming to say to least in 4 games so far.

Boston fans expected Ante Zizic to be NBA ready because of his size and excellent play overseas, but he doesn’t seem ready just yet. Here are Zizic’ stats per game in his 4 NBA Summer League games.

| 19 Min | 7 Pts | 5 Reb | 0 Ast |

Those numbers shouldn’t be that concerning, seeing as how Zizic is only 20. The concerning thing is the competition he is going up against is very poor, so why isn’t Zizic dominating the glass?

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At 7’0″ 260 lbs, he should be. Zizic wasn’t known for speed obviously, but even for a big man he’s seemed sluggish, which may be the reason he has  been struggling to cut off guards driving to the paint.

NBA Ready or not, Ante Zizic’ ceiling is so high. He can potentially be the Celtics big man for a long time to come.

The Boston Celtics haven’t had a true center since Kevin Garnett. Garnett was 6’11” 255 lbs in his prime, Zizic is already 6’11” 260 lbs at only 20 years old. Zizic’ skill set is no where near these two players, but he is already the same height and weight as Brook and Robin Lopez, dominating big men in the NBA.

Al Horford is an all-star but he doesn’t have the size of skill set to be a true center. Horford does it all but can’t dominate down low in the paint. Ante Zizic is already heavier than Horford and can make his presence felt, but as stated before he may still be too raw.

Next: Boston Celtics add rim protection with signing of Aron Baynes

Here are some highlights from one of Ante’s recent Summer League game.

Although I believe Zizic needs another year to develop, expect the Celtics to sign him next season. Unless his game drastically improves expect a very small role with Boston in 2017-18.

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