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In the 2013 NBA Draft, the Warriors received and subsequently traded Malcolm Lee and the 29th pick who turned out to be Archie Goodwin to the Suns for the 30th pick. With that pick, they selected Nemanja Nedovic from Serbia, who many have called the “European Derrick Rose”. Nedovic finally feels healthy and chose to delay his national duties for the FIBA World Cup in order to play in the NBA Summer League and prove himself to the Golden State Warriors and the rest of the league that he belongs.
The other Serbian player on the Warriors roster is Ognjen Kuzvic; he is currently playing with Nedovic in the Summer League. The Serbians have been through a lot together as both had been assigned to multiple stints with the Warriors’ D-League affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors. Staying healthy was tough for the Nedovic whom had no previous history of injuries.
His 2013-14 rookie campaign was plagued by injuries in which he only saw the floor in 24 games and for less than 6 minutes per contest. It’s tough to prove you belong when there isn’t playing time to do so. The 23 year old combo guard was hoping the Summer League could be the platform he could shine. After 5 games, he averaged 9.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2 assists. It’s important to note that Nedovic only played 7 minutes in the last consolation game to allow others who hadn’t seen the floor much playing time.
Nedovic stands at 6’3’’ and is best with the basketball in his hands. In the half court offense, expect him to take his man off the dribble with his explosive first step or his ability to feast off pick and rolls. Being a reliable and solid ball handler isn’t his only advantage, he also has a decent perimeter game. We almost forgot to mention his measured 41 inch vertical.
His contract currently extends into the 2014-15 season but the Warriors have some contemplating to do. They must decide if they want to exercise Nedovic’s 1.15 million third-year option by October 31st. Don’t forget the Warriors recently added Shaun Livingston to back up Stephen Curry. Nedovic has had competition with Aaron Craft at the point guard position throughout the duration of the Summer League. The Warriors hope Nedovic is able to stay healthy and become their third point guard on the depth chart.