As a 20 year old stretch big, Tristan Vukcevic played in Euroleague with partisan. On the season, he averaged 5.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and 0.8 TOPG on splits of 56/37/80. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Tristan Vukcevic
Height/Weight: 7’0/223
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’2/9’3
Hand size: 10 ¼
Position: PF/C
Pre-Draft team: Partizan
Tools: Shooting
Pros:
- Can finish above the rim, especially as a cutter
- Smooth jumper
- Can hit stepback 3s
- Gets off the ground quickly; difficult to block
- Successful finisher at the rim in limited sample size
- Good frame and big hands
Cons:
- Rushes shots at times
- Needs to get stronger
- Must be more disciplined defensively in leaving his feet
- Needs to get better at setting more fundamental screens without using his hands/arms
- Out of stance on the perimeter too often
Summary:
Tristan Vukcevic has the tools to be a modern big in an NBA that continues to emphasize shooting at every position. With a lightning fast release that is difficult to block given the speed & release point, Vukcevic has a safe floor as a stretch big man in the NBA. His ability to be a play finisher out of the pick & roll will keep him around for quite some time, having translatable tools to finish at the rim off of cuts & rolls, as well as spotting up from 3 and getting his man up in the air for a more open shot off of one or two dribbles. This combination makes him a dangerous threat out of the P&R, which is incredibly valuable for a big man in today’s game.
Defensively, Vukcevic needs to improve decision making and overall habits. He lacks consistent discipline against fakes, he finds himself in foul trouble often, and he is hunched over on the perimeter too frequently. While the tools are there to thrive defensively, he needs to learn how to play NBA defense, which could be an obstacle to immediate playing time as he continues to learn the game and shake his label of being raw.
In short, Vukcevic’s sell is that he’s entirely a stretch big as a true seven footer with a lightning fast release, ability to hit both standstill and off-the-dribble jumpers and he is a successful finisher as an overseas pro. While he doesn’t have a complete game as a big, he could easily find a consistent rotation role to minimize paint-oriented bigs’ impacts, and to make playing a five out offense easier to execute.
Similar to: Channing Frye, Mike Muscala, Spencer Hawes, Luke Kornet
Projected draft range: 30-50
Expected role: Off-ball threat and pick & roll/ pick & pop big.
Unplayable if: Defensive shortcomings and habits never get improved upon, making it hard to justify minutes barring hot shooting.
Exceeds expectations if: Jump shooting translates at a high level, while his defensive tendencies/habits improve enough to make him more than just a specialist
Videos:
Shot chart:
