Who is Emir Preldzic...?

Don't feel bad-I don't know either. But a few websites such as DraftExpress and NBADraft.net seem to think he is coming to Boston via the Celtics 1st pick (2nd round) on Thursday night. He is a 6-9 guard/forward from Slovenia who most have never heard of. I personally would love to see the C's pickup Tyrese Rice if he is still around. Ty would bring some instant offense off the bench, and being a BC guy, would be an instant crowd favorite. Here is some info about Emir Preldzic courtesy of NBADraft.net...


55 - Emir Preldzic-Slovenia
Birthday: 6/9/87
NBA Position: SG/SF
Class: International Ht: 6-8 Wt: 220
Team: Fenerbahce Ulker
Hometown: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Stevan Petrovic - 1/25/2008
Strengths: Preldzic possesses good shooting touch and a nice feel for the game ... Very long and fundamentally skilled young player ... He can hit 3 point shots as well as mid-range jumpers with accuracy (good spot-up shooter) ... His shooting touch and mechanics are fluid. Emir can handle the ball in the open court and be a point forward when needed or push the ball in the fast-break; He can also drive the ball well and has sufficient ball handling skills ... He reads the defense and defenders well and recognizes when to drive to the basket and when to pull up for the jump-shot ... He shows good body control while driving to the basket ... Showing some slashing ability. A team player who sees the court well and knows how to make the right pass ... His length and quick reflexes helps him to be active on the boards (anticipates where the ball is going to land well). Moves well laterally and has quick feet.

Weaknesses: A tweener. His lack of a true position hurts his chances ... Very skinny player for his size ... Lack of both upper and lower body strength really hurts him offensively and defensively too ... Mediocre athletic ability at his best ... Doesnt like contact or to bang under the basket for position, which also hurts his ability to post up. His frame is average and may be a guy that loses mobility with added weight ... Has to become a more consistent shooter Offensively he must work on his inside game and find his go-to move.

Aran Smith - 10/13/2006
Strengths: European forward with solid athleticism and scoring ability Scores well especially around the basket Has excellent size for the small forward position A very good rebounder. Uses his athleticism and great anticipation to position himself for rebounds Plays with a high level of intensity Shows a good deal of potential if he can continue to improve upon his offensive skills

Weaknesses: Raw skill wise. Still lacks a great feel for the game. Needs to get stronger physically His vision and passing ability are average Needs to improve upon his range

Notes: Born in Bosnia but grew up in Slovenia and a Slovenian citizen. Had his coming out party at the 2006 U20 Euro Championships leading Slovenia to 3rd place (Bronze) finish averaging 20.3 ppg (2nd overall).