Zoran Paunovic

ZORAN PAUNOVIC (2000, 6’7, GUARD, CRVENA ZVEZDA) – Absolutely stunning performance. Paunovic explosiveness was just too much for any defender in Belgrade. When he came to Red Star his attributes were basically limited to athleticism. It is great how much he is building over it skillwise. Moreover the pace of development is really rare for not naturally talented player as he is better every time we watch him. Standing close to 2 meters with shoes, Paunovic is a slasher with more and more notable playmaking skills. He keeps improving his PnR reads and reach helps him with finding passing lanes. His first step, bounce and fearless attitude are really deadly combination. His mid range pull ups can look unorthodox at times because of questionable timing he takes them with or overly high release point but are really reliable. Then as befits Crvena Zvezda player he is tough as nails and plays much above average defense. Stats may be mindblowing but we have to keep in mind low level of competition. For example Amar Gegic who is not very different player than Zoran averaged nearly triple double at Belgrade AdidasNGT two years ago and now is not somewhere on the bottom of NBA scouts shortlist. That’s why I wouldn’t state that Paunovic is NBA prospect. However there is a need for player like him on high level. Energetic slashers with work ethic, projectable stroke, great physical tools who can be secondary ball handlers and are willing to compete with everyone.

Zoran Paunovic was clearly best player of the tournament and well deserved MVP. Has always been good athlete for European standards and keeps improving basketball wise as well. When I previously watched him, he played more of the swingman position but here was main ball handler for long stretches. Beside athleticism and toughness he displays nice shoot making skills using his reliable high arching stroke. Playmaking is still work in progress but first step, body control and how it’s coordinated with the dribble looked Nando De Colo-esque at times.