By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After parting ways with Partizan Mozzart Bet, Alen Smailagic signed with fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague participant, Zalgiris.
The Kaunas outfit officially added the 23-year-old Serbian big on Friday.
Per the press release: “Zalgiris Kaunas has reached an agreement with Alen Smailagic, who played for Partizan Belgrade last season. The 23-year-old 208 cm tall player signed a 1+1 contract with Zalgiris.
“I am happy to be part of Zalgiris Kaunas. I am looking forward to competing, winning and I’m excited to meet Zalgiris fans. I can’t wait to get to Kaunas”, said the new Zalgiris player.
In the previous EuroLeague season, while wearing a Partizan jersey, Smailagic averaged 5.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 6.3 points per 16 minutes on the floor.
The former Serbian youth national team member in the Adriatic League had almost identical numbers of 5.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.
“With Rolands Smits departure, we needed a big man like Alen. He can spread the floor, shoot from long range, and he’s tough under the baskets too. He is a player with good character and good skills, and the coaches will definitely be able to use him,” said Zalgiris GM Gediminas Navickas.
In the 2019 NBA Draft, Smailagic was drafted 39th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans but was traded to the Golden State Warriors.
The Serbian has played almost 30 games in the NBA, averaging almost 8 minutes, 3 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.
Smailagic started his career with Beko Belgrade and played in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors before moving to the NBA.”