2015 NBA Draft Profile: Nikola Milutinov (C; Partizan)

Birthday: 30.12.1994 
Town: Novi Sad (Serbia) 
Country: Serbia 
Height & Weight: 7'0" (2.13) x 220
Team: KK Partizan (Serbia) 

POSITION: C

Profile: By Vedran Modric (August 2014)

BODY/ATHLETICISM

Milutinov stands at about 2.13 cm (7-0) and has huge wingspan (around 7-3 but there was no official measurement). Although he lacks explosiveness, his footwork is incredible and has great mobility. He runs the court faster than most centers in Aba league and Euroleague. 

He is still skinny but not how he used to look because he bulked up a little. But of course there is a lot of room for adding more weight.

SHOOTING

Due to his height and wingspan he can shoot over any opponent. His shooting form is balanced although he has slow release. Uses both hands and he is equally good with both hands shooting hook shots. Milutinov has big hands and has no problem catching the ball with one hand and then throwing a pass or shooting hook shot with the same hand. 

Has solid mid-range game but he dont use it as much as he could. 

On free throws he shows good form, concentration and calmness but as of right now that dont translates into good shooting percentages (last year 62% in Euroleague and 60% in Aba League).

POSITION OFFENSE

Milutinov mostly operates around the rim. Although he is still skinny he can establish a good low post position due to great footwork and basketball IQ. 

His back to the basket game is a lot better then 2 years ago. He throws great passes when he is doubled on post ups. Has very good court vision. He is crafty around the basket (can finish with both hands, either hook shots, dunks or lay-ups). 

His mid-range game is solid but that is the element he must work if he wants to play at the higher level. In pick and roll offense he is solid as he rolls to the basket but also something he needs to work at.

He is not very aggressive player but he is not passive either. Also he could definitely set better screens because right now they are not really good.

DEFENSE/REBOUNDING

He has great defensive potential and also he has great defensive fundamentals. Already he is one of the best defensive centers in Europe. His defensive presence is enormous due to his length, footwork and mobility around the basket. On defense he rarely leaves space around the basket and has very good feel for block. He is very good defender against pick and roll and great as a help defender. 

As a rebounder he could be better especially on defense but the reason why his rebounding numbers are not that high is because he always boxes out his man and thats his main concern. And therefore the man he is guarding never gets any offensive rebounds and clears space for his teammate to pick up a rebound (Lauvergne in this case). On offensive rebounds he is better, mostly tip-ins. 

His main weakness on defense is that he often gets in the foul trouble.

MISCELLANEOUS

Milutinov on and off the court shows good body language.

At 19 years he is still very young but has already lots of experience in Euroleague and Aba League. He is a team player who never forces anything. Good worker and good teammate.

OVERALL RATING

Entering his third season in Partizan, Milutinov is expected to take the larger role next year (Musli who was sharing minutes with him at the center position left Partizan). If he improves mostly his mid range jumper and adds more muscles he could be very intriguing draft pick considering his physical tools and overall potential. Although he will miss the whole training camp because of tonsils surgery he will be ready for the start of the season that could be breakout for him.

History: 

2009-2010: Novi Sad (Serbia)

2010-2011: Hemofarm (Serbia)

2011-2012: Hemofarm (Serbia)

2012-2013: KK Partizan (Serbia)

2013-2014: KK Partizan (Serbia)

2014-2015: KK Partizan (Serbia)