By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired the rights of Latvian center Anzejs Pasecniks who became the third European player (after Lauri Markkanen and Frank Ntilikina) selected in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The 25th pick was owned by the Orlando Magic but it ended at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers after a trade, as reported by Shams Charania of The Vertical.
Pasecniks, 21, is playing for Gran Canaria in the Spanish League. He averaged 8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in the 2016/2017 season. Like fellow Latvian Kristaps Porzingis, he’s a versatile offensive big guy who can finish pick n’ roll plays efficiently, carries an aptitude for shooting the ball from range (even the perimeter, yes) and has an impressive mobility for his size and length.
The 76ers are getting a prime “draft and stash” option with him, since he’s already an integral part of the Gran Canaria rotation (averaged 16 minutes per game last season in Spain) at a very competitive level in Europe. Next season his role will most likely be upgraded, his minutes increased and he will have a chance to extensively show and improve his strengths in both the Liga Endesa and Eurocup.