Ante Zizic In Celtics’ Plans For Next Season

The Celtics plan to add 2016 draft pick Ante Zizic to their roster next season, according to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.

Zizic, the 23rd player selected, is currently playing for Darussafaka Dogus in Turkey. His performance so far has convinced Boston’s front office that he is ready for the NBA.

“July 1 just has to roll over on the calendar, and we’ll sign him,” said Celtics director of player personnel Austin Ainge. “He wants to be here, and we want him here.”

Zizic has only played 11 games, but is putting up 9.7 points and 7.1 rebounds in just 23 minutes per night. At 6’10”, he can help fill the void in the paint that has plagued Boston this season.

“He just turned 20 in January, and he punishes grown men physically,” Ainge added. “He hits hard and he’s a physical presence out there. As much as I loved Ante and believed in him, I was surprised how much success he had this early in Euroleague.”

Zizic had hoped to join the Celtics right away and was disappointed to learn that the organization wanted him to spend a year overseas. He is working to improve his midrange jump shot and sees himself as both a power forward and a center when he comes to Boston.

The young center is learning the NBA game from David Blatt, who coached the Cavaliers for the first half of last season before being dismissed. In a question-and-answer session with Himmelsbach, Blatt said Zizic is benefiting from his time in the Euroleague.

“Without a doubt, in my mind, the Celtics made a tremendous 23rd pick in the draft,” said Blatt, who compares Zizic to Oklahoma City center Steven Adams. “This guy, at that number is in my mind just a great pick, a great pick. And I do know a little bit about the NBA, so I can tell you that with confidence.”