Zoran PLANINIC
PLANICIC, Zoran
STRENGTHS: True point-guard, with height and NBA potential. He’s a floor general, he brings confidence to his teammates. He does a good job of setting the tempo. Fundamentally solid: good dribbling and passing skills. Can push the ball up on the break and dish out to the big men, can work the Pick & Roll and drive to find the open man. His assist to turnover ratio is fine. He can score points thanks to his ability to drive in. WEAKNESSES: He’s predictable. Has a tendency to keep the ball too much, making the team lose its rhythm. If he can’t run, he tends to walk. Not an athlete, he’s got size but lacks quickness and explosiveness. Overall, he seems to lack energy. He struggles on defense, especially against fast opponents. Inconsistency is a concern on offense, especially in his three-point shooting. CAREER: He emerged at the highest level at a very early age thanks to his performances at youth level. He made the breakthrough in the Euroleague 2001-02 (12.1ppg) drawing the attention of the NBA. He was picked in the first round. Failed to make his mark at New Jersey and neither did he do that well in the national team (10.4ppg at the 2005 European Championships). Been in top teams like Vitoria and CSKA but he always seemed to be missing something. EVALUATION: An NBA potential, he has the talent for it. However he paid the price of too much expectation at a too young age. He never came up as a consistent player whether it be with the pro or the Croatian national team. He needs to find the perfect fit for his game and style. Gives a lot, but the quality is not always there. Could be a star in Europe if he is put in the right conditions.
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