what about Nikola Pekovic? Is this guy worth a shot?
I've already written extensively about Pekovic in this board, so I'll be telegraphic in style but saying as much as I can
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In a word: no. Not for us with the #30, or any other team with late 1st round picks, IMO.
Right now, he's the best center in the draft. Well, he's the best center outside the NBA and probably better than a dozen of NBA centers. He'd be averaging a 40/20 if he was playing in the NCAA last season. His moves are very basic: he has a jump-hook, a jump shot and he dunks. But he's incredible effective doing it. He always plays the same way: gains position, receives the ball, turns to his shoulder (either one) and fires. A typical back to the basket, physical center who loves the contact. He's strong and massive, a la Perkins. Also a bit undersized. He isn't a good passer. When he's doubled, the priority of his teammates is to offer him easy passing lanes to bail him out. He isn't able to identify the open man. Frequently, he opts to shoot anyway (his team really needs his points). Frequently, he makes them. He won't be as good facing NBA defenders, but he's playing against the best opposition possible outside the NBA and he singlehandedly lead a very weak team to an outstanding performance. He just executes well and makes contested shots. No upside, he's already peaked. He just masters that kind of game, he doesn't have the footwork or the touch to do different things.
As a defender, it's hard to know how bad he is, as Partizan oftenly plays in a 2-3 zone or a box and 1. But he'd probably struggle in the NBA, because of his lack of quickness. OTH, he's though and can easily hold his position. He forces his opponents to play away from the basket and has the intensity and effort to contest every shot he can.
Good rebounder, very aggressive, but a little slow to lift his feet of the floor when he gets tired and he can't make the outlet pass.
He already signed a 3 year contract with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos. He stated that he doesn't like the NBA and that he prefers to continue playing in Europe. Next season, he'll be making more money than any rookie or sophomore in the NBA. Even in a few years, he won't leave that kind of salary to play for much less if he's picked with the #30. He can be a superstar in Europe but he wouldn't be more than a solid contributor, probably providing energy and points from the bench, for a NBA team with a scheme that fits his game (not the Warriors). So, if we pick him, it's very possible that we're never going to see him dressed in green - unless Ainge and his agent have some kind of mid-term agreement.
