Minnesota Sports Forum

His name has been brought up from time to time here, but I'm not sure how much folks really know about him. He's matured a bunch since we drafted him years ago and indications are that he might be ready to come to the NBA next year. Since we hold his rights, there is a realistic chance he could join our team.

For those of you interested in learning more about him, here are two links - one a scouting report from his 2013-14 season and the other a video profile:

https://basketballscouting.wordpress.com/tag/nemanja-bjelica/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry5u2mg7x5E

He is your classic Euro face-up forward that has the capability to knock down the outside shot or put it on the floor. He could probably play SF or PF in the NBA, depending on matchups.

Here are his current Euroleague Per 36 minute stats based on 14 games so far:

PPG - 15
RPG - 8.7
APG - 2.3
SPG - 2.0
TOs - 1.6
TS% - 57%

His Turkish league stats are much better and he's shooting lights-out there, but that is obviously a weaker league.

One thing to keep in mind with Euroleague stats in translating them to the NBA is that typically scoring and efficiency go down somewhat and rebounding and assists go up.

He seems like an intriguing player that is a jack of all trades face-up forward. I'm not sure where he would fit in with our plans, but at minimum, he could be a good trade piece.

I like him, too, Q. I've caught glimpses of him over the last couple of years and he has definitely matured a ton. Sure seems like he could be a rotation guy, although I think he's more PF than SF - he does not look quick enough to guard SFs in the NBA. Possibly a starter, but that's a tough jump from Europe to instant starter in the NBA. I think he is a better fit next to Dieng than Pek.

[Edit: Guess I haven't watched him for awhile - he looks different with his hair cut!!! ]

I hope he does come next year. The team could really use his versatility from the front court positions. From the standpoint of stretching the floor and passing, he could potentially fit well with Pek, I think.

Thanks for that, q...I continue to be intrigued by Bjelica. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that he is not young. He'll be at least 27 by the time he ever puts on a Wolves' uniform...hopefully next season.. He possesses such a versatile skillset that it's not inconceivable that he could be our starting PF next year

I'm more intrigued by Bojan Dublivijec, but I'd like to see what he could do in the NBA. Has a good feel for the game.

Looks kinda like Hedo Turk

Dublivijec is interesting too, he appears to be a good rebounder and excels at pick and roll and pick and pop offense.

longstrangetrip wrote:Thanks for that, q...I continue to be intrigued by Bjelica. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that he is not young. He'll be at least 27 by the time he ever puts on a Wolves' uniform...hopefully next season.. He possesses such a versatile skillset that it's not inconceivable that he could be our starting PF next year

Yeah, he is a classic mid-level vet type of signing. I suspect it would take something similar to Mirotic's contract to get him over here - $5M per year for three years or something like that.

I think what he does is gives us depth. Assuming that Thad gets traded and AB continues to flounder, we are in deep trouble at PF. I don't necessarily see Bjelica as a starting-caliber PF in the Western Conference, but I could see him as a guy that can come off the bench at either forward position and give you 20-25 minutes of strong, versatile play.

Camden wrote:I'm more intrigued by Bojan Dublivijec, but I'd like to see what he could do in the NBA. Has a good feel for the game.

Seems different in that he is more of a 4/5 in Europe whereas Bjelica is a 3/4 and more athletic. Bojan appears to have a really good 3-point stroke and still does some dirty work underneath too. Seems like a pretty skilled guy, but I have no idea what his contract situation is over there.

Q12543 wrote:

Camden wrote:I'm more intrigued by Bojan Dublivijec, but I'd like to see what he could do in the NBA. Has a good feel for the game.

Seems different in that he is more of a 4/5 in Europe whereas Bjelica is a 3/4 and more athletic. Bojan appears to have a really good 3-point stroke and still does some dirty work underneath too. Seems like a pretty skilled guy, but I have no idea what his contract situation is over there.

According to http://www.eurohoops.net/2013/06/dribbling/27455this his buyout is 200,000 euros this coming summer.