International PG Watch
While the news focuses on the lockout on the NBA front, teams and countries are battling for an Olympic berth in London in EuroBasket right now. Players like Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Ricky Rubio, Luis Scola, Joakim Noah, Chris Kaman, etc… are all in action, but today, we take a look at two point guard prospects who recently went head-to-head in Lithuania's Mantas Kalnietis and Serbia's Milos Teodosic; these two have been two of the better players at the floor general position and have been drawing some high praise from NBA scouts recently.
Milos Teodosic
11.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 2.7 turnovers a game, 11-of-36 from 3-point range
The 6'5" point guard recently signed with CSKA Moscow after playing for Olympiakos and at 24 years old, seems to be finally putting his skills and talents together. He has excellent size for the position and possesses a great feel for the game, especially in transition or in an up-tempo offense. When Teodosic can get the rebound or quick outlet pass, he is dangerous in the open floor in terms of setting up teammates and has shown off his stroke in Serbia's six games thus far.
Mantas Kalnietis
11.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2 turnovers a game, 12-of-24 from 3-point range
Kalnietis' numbers are not as impressive as his Serbian counterpart, however, he does not need to put up such great numbers on a loaded Lithuanian team (Jonas Valanciunas, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Martynas Pocius). Like Teodosic, Kalnietis excels in the open floor, finishing at the rim with his size and frail frame. He can get open with his advanced ball-handling for a jump shot or distribute to teammates on the perimeter or drive-and-dish. He has struggled in the past with turnovers, but is only averaged 2 turnovers a game so far in EuroBasket. In terms of NBA potential, Kalnietis has below-average length and athleticism, limiting him, but he is not a bad prospect to risk a 2nd or now, even a 3rd round pick on.
By President - Corey Ruff - 9-7-11
