Arturs Zagars - Passing masterclass

Arturs Zagars - Passing masterclass
2020 Draft Prospect Arturs Zagars
Arturs Zagars is a crafty Latvian point guard who emerged at the 2016 European U16 Championships where he finished fifth in assists and seventh in scoring. Zagars increased his stock, standing out at the NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in June 2018. Later that summer, he drew more attention as a floor director and crafty scorer leading Latvia to its first finals appearance and a silver medal at the U18 European Championship. He signed with the Spanish team Joventut Badalona in 2017, making his pro debut in Liga ACB in March 2018, scoring two points in seven minutes against Kirolbet Baskonia. He also split some time playing on loan with CB Prat Juventud in LEB-Gold, the second top basketball division in Spain. In November 2018, Zagars suffered a torn ligament in his ankle, which sidelined him until early March 2019. In the 2019-20 season, Zagars struggled to get time in a loaded Joventut backcourt averaging close to ten minutes a game in the top domestic basketball stage in Europe -- the Spanish ACB.
A classic European type of playmaker standing at 6-foot-3, Zagars makes up for his lack of elite length and athleticism with great feel for the game and high basketball IQ. He is a pick-and-roll maestro with great passing skills. Zagars knows also how to exploit matchups, displaying a good handle, craftiness, an ability to change speeds and mature decision-making ability.
Has the ability to score off the dribble, but can also finish in the lane smoothly off the glass. This sets up his pull up and driving offense off the left hand rhythm dribble. Has room to get more consistent from 3-point range, but the ability and mechanics are there.
Defensive Analysis
Needs to add strength and gain some weight in order to compete better as an on-ball and off-ball defender.
His lack of top end quickness and athleticism may hurt his efficiency on the defensive end of the court, but his competitive streak is there.
Career Highlights
Played at the 2016 U16 European Championships (16.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.6 apg), finishing fifth in assists and seventh in scoring at the event.
Participated in the NBA Global Camp in Treviso, Italy in June 2018.
Helped Latvia to the silver medal at the 2018 European U18 Championships, averaging 18.9 ppg, 6.3 apg, 3.4 rpg and 1.9 spg while being named to the All-Tournament team.
In the 2018-19 season played 13 games in LEB-Gold, the second basketball division in Spain, averaging 8.9 ppg and 2.5 apg in 17.7 mpg.
2019-20
In February 2020, recorded 13 points, five boards and three assists in his debut for the men’s national team in a thrilling 110-104 double-overtime loss to Bulgaria, in a FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers game.
Playing for Joventut in Liga ACB he averaged 3.2 ppg and 1.7 apg and 10.5 mpg in 24 games. In 10 Eurocup games, he averaged 2.7 ppg and 1.8 apg in 10.4 mpg.
In February 2020, scored a career-high 16 points with six assists, shooting 5-for-7 from the field in only 18 minutes of action, in a loss to Iberostar Tenerife.
Strengths
Has great feel for the game and a high basketball IQ
Sees the court exceptionally well
Great pick and roll player
Capable outside shooter
Personal
Started playing basketball at the age of seven
His basketball role models are Nicola Laprovittola, Dennis Schroder and Kyrie Irving
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[@SanFranFan30]

Zagars and Nenad Dimitrijevic might be the most talented and more creative passing backcourt in the world.