OKC Thunder NBA Draft prospect series: Anzejs Pasecniks

Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Shirts adorn the seating inside the arena prior to action between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

The centers are coming fast and furious now in the Thunderous Intentions NBA Draft Prospect Series with Anzejs Pasecniks next on tap.

As per the last few centers Thunderous Intentions profiled Anzejs Pasecniks isn’t a prospect Sam Presti will be focused on when it comes time to select at 21. Although he possesses quality skills the time needed to await his development isn’t an option Presti can afford.

Certainly the fundamental skills are present similar to other European talents in Pasecniks class. If you wondering where you’ve heard his name before it came playing alongside fellow countryman Kristaps Porzingis as the two formed their own Latvian ‘twin towers’ for the National team. Anzejs Pasecniks fell behind Porzingis in development, but he still has the potential to become another Latvian unicorn, specifically if he can overcome his defensive shortcomings.

Specifics:

Height: 7’2 ”

Weight: 229 lbs

Wingspan: ‘

Position: center

Age: 21 years, 5 months

Statline: 7.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.7. blocks

International: Herbalife – Gran Canaria, Liga ACB

Home Town: Riga, Latvia

Current rankings:

Please note, the rankings below come from the most up to date versions as the time of writing. That said not all the mock drafts provide second round ranks or updates, often only extend to the end of the first round.

Therefore, if you check a ranking and note the number has changed it’s likely due to updates and a shift in the rankings.

DraftExpress: 22nd overall prospect

NBA DraftNet: 46th

Scott Howard-Cooper nba.com: 28th

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 29th

Basketball Insiders: 30th

Jeremy Woo SI.com, The Crossover: 6th

Skills:

Much like many European players Anzejs Pasecniks fundamental skills are well developed which translates in his offensive versatility . His ball handling abilities are above average (when he isn’t rushed) and he is equally adept scoring with either hand. Moreover he showcases a rage of offensive scoring capabilities whether at the rim, taking the rock to the rim or extending out to the perimeter. Although he needs to work on his rage the potential is there to develop this shot.

His movement off the ball and in transition show his intelligence which speaks well to his I.Q level and ability to read plays.

As per Draft Express:

"Despite the flaws Pasecniks shows, it’s important to remember that he’s still only 20 years old (turning 21 next week), very much a late bloomer, and is just now starting to get his first taste of consistent rotational minutes at the professional level. Almost every team in the NBA is looking for a 7-footer who can catch lobs, make 3-pointers, cover ground fluidly defensively, and protect the rim. Players in his mold are so rare that someone is bound to take a chance and see how he looks with a few more years of development as he enters his mid-20s and completes his physical maturation."

Weaknesses:

Anzejs Pasecniks lack of strength and size become factors in his skills as he is easily moved off the ball and often feels rushed to make a play. This bears out via his turnovers and inability to finish around bigger defenders. It also becomes evident in his rebounding where larger, more skilled players can out rebound him. Furthermore, his tendency is to shy away from contact which is not ideal as it doesn’t allow for the best shot opportunity given he’s falling away from his target.

Despite showcasing several appealing offensive weapons, particularly for his size his lack of defensive prowess is concerning. He’ll need to work on this area of his game or convince possible teams who’ll consider drafting him he can overcome these issues.

Honors and awards:

Spanish League – All Young Players Team, 2017
Spanish Super Cup Champion – 2016
Three time Latvian Basketball League Champion – 2012, 2013, 2015

Pro Comparison:

More from Thunderous Intentions

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer provided a ceiling comparison for each of his prospects. O’Connor’s list Salah Mejri, Willy Hernangomez as his potential ceiling. The former doesn’t excite, but after watching Hernangomez if Anzejs Pasecniks has similar potential it could excite some clubs into drafting him in the first round. In fact he’s bee climbing the prospect mock boards the closer we get to the draft, so some scouts must be intrigued enough to work with the young prospect and see where his true ceiling lies.

The fit:

Just like the other centers TI looked at Anzejs Pasecniks isn’t a player Sam Presti will be pining to sign. Regardless of what the summer brings in terms of retaining Taj Gibson or moving Enes Kanter, its unlikely Anzejs Pasecniks moves the needle enough to inspire trading down for the big or adding him to the OKC Thunder. Still, given his recent climb up the mock boards it is worthwhile to keep an eye on if he moves up higher as we get closer to June 22.

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