(06-21-2026, 10:36 AM)Mavs2021 Wrote: I have to say the Russian kid Ishchenko was not on my radar. Props to whoever dug up that Schmitz/Portland connection. I assume not even scouts travel to Krasnodar these days to watch a Russian 2nd round prospect let alone GMs. Probably saw him play in Moscow or Saint Petersburg anyway. I might just predict that he´ll be the Mavs pick in the 2nd round at #48 for the simple reason that they´ll struggle for available roster spots next season and they can stash him overseas for another year. Highlights also look really nice. Smooth, athletic, nice shooting motion.
I don’t think it means they draft him but it is good to now our new GM puts the work in to see a fringe draftable prospect in Russia.
Also I don’t think Portland had second round hits while he was there but I have no doubt he is putting in work for 48. Maybe geeking more about that pick for him. After years of Mavs leadership not taking the second round seriously and trading picks, it feels nice. That is with making a pick that turned into a top 10 player too.