The New Orleans Pelicans selected Serbian baller Alen Smailagic as the 39th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft — and traded it to the Golden State Warriors.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic:

The 18-year-old Smailagic played for the Warriors' G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, in the 2018-2019 season. In 47 games, the 6-foot-10 forward averaged 9.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist across 17.4 minutes.

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Prior to the draft, there was already a strong belief that the Warriors would select Smailagic, noting that they are “really high on him.”

Since last year, scouts have been eyeing Smailagic. Their main concern has always been the 18-year-old's lack of significant basketball experience. His only substantial action on the court was his time with the Serbian national team for the under-16 tourney in 2016. He was also included in the FIBA Euro Championship under-18 roster but did not play.

At face value, scouts saw a combination of size and latent basketball talent in Alen Smailagic. Given his youth, his game can still be fixed to meet modern day-NBA standards, particularly those which apply to a big man. The Warriors hope to cultivate and polish the skills of a big man who can dribble and shoot the ball efficiently like a guard.