NBA Draft 2019 Prospect Watch: Luka Samanic

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 16: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 16: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Luka Samanic, #19 of U18 FC Barcelona Lassa during the 2017 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four U18 Teams Slam Dunk Contest at Marmara Forum on May 20, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Edu Candel/EB via Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Luka Samanic, #19 of U18 FC Barcelona Lassa during the 2017 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four U18 Teams Slam Dunk Contest at Marmara Forum on May 20, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Edu Candel/EB via Getty Images) /

What the experts say

(as of 6/5/19)

ESPN [$] (Jonathan Givony): 30th

The Ringer (Kevin O’Connor): 36th

Sports Illustrated (Jeremy Woo): 27th

Sporting News (Chris Stone): N/A

The Athletic [$] (Sam Vecenie): 37th

The Stepien (Composite Rank): 55th

The Step Back (Brandon Kleen): 29th

Quotes: 

Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo outlined what all stood out to him in regards to Samanic’s impressive showing at this year’s NBA Draft Combine and how much of an impact it has on where he ultimately could be selected:

"“The most pivotal thing I noted with Samanic today was his impressive physical development: he’s naturally thin, but has filled out nicely in his upper body and shoulders and added a noticeable degree of strength. He’s still just 19 years old, and the progression of his build component helps a good deal with his projection at the NBA level. If he can be adequate defensively, Samanic could be a versatile floor spacer and short-roll playmaker at forward with his current skill set. Scouts in attendance mostly agreed that he might be in good position to shut it down on Day 2, and he may have done enough to solidify himself as a first-round talent.”"

Jonathan Givony of ESPN currently has the Bucks selecting Samanic in his most recent mock draft, citing his positional size and skill set as well as the potential frontcourt needs Milwaukee will have to address this offseason:

"“Size, perimeter shooting and defensive versatility at every position is the name of the game for the Bucks, who earned the most regular-season wins in the NBA using that formula. With frontcourt depth a real question moving forward, it might make sense to think about adding a player like Samanic to the mix. The Croatian has helped his stock with a strong pre-draft process and has plenty of upside to grow into given his age.”"