While many NBA front offices are still getting familiar with this year’s group of international prospects, two of the most promising -- Dennis Schroeder of Germany and Giannis Antetokoumpo of Greece -- have already received first-round guarantees, according to a report from Chad Ford of ESPN.
2013 NBA Draft: Dennis Schroeder, Giannis Antetokoumpo receive 1st-round promises
Two of the most talented international players in the draft have reportedly received guarantees in the first round. Are those promises high enough to justify shutting them down before the draft?
Joern Pollex
Both players are currently projected as mid-to-late first-round picks, but there’s no way to know where exactly in the first round they’ve received their promises.
Schroeder, a 19-year old point guard, burst onto the scene after a strong showing at the Nike Hoop Summit. An athletic 6’1, 180-pound guard with a 6’7 wingspan, he has prototypical size and speed for the position in the NBA.
Antetokoumpo, an 18-year old small forward, has been quietly moving up draft boards for weeks, despite never playing in the United States and competing for a second-division Greek team. An athletic 6’8, 200-pound forward with a 7’3 wingspan who plays point guard for his club team, he has a ton of upside, but he’s relatively unproven against high-level competition.
Schroeder may come over to the United States next season, but Antetokoumpo will likely stay overseas. His contract has already been bought by a Spanish team, which will give him the chance to play against better players as a 19-year old.
Now that both have received first-round guarantees, the question will be whether their agents shut them down and prevent other teams from getting closer looks at them.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
