Nikola Djurisic comes into the NBA Draft with an interesting skill set at the wing position, and professional experience playing in Europe. The combination of solid playmaking and upside as a three-level scorer has many scouts and analysts intrigued by Djurisic’s potential in the league.
Nikola Djurisic 2024 NBA Draft Profile
International Career
Djurisic began his professional career in Europe, where he played for OKK Beograd and KK Mega Basket in 2021. He continued within the Mega system in 2022 and since then, Djurisic saw his minutes and production increase year after year. Not only that, Djurisic has played with Nikola Jovic and Filip Petrusev, both of whom are in the NBA currently. He has also played with Nikola Topic this season, who looks to be a lottery pick this year and one of the best international prospects. Djurisic showcased his ability to serve as a ball-handler, break down opponents, and make plays for others. Additionally, he has shown upside as a shooter. In 2024, Djurisic played exclusively for the senior team, in which he averaged career highs. Particularly, Djurisic averaged 14.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Djurisic shot 45.4% from the field, 33.0% from three, and 73.9% from the free-throw line.
Strengths
The biggest strength that Djurisic has currently is the fact that he can serve as a ball-handler at his size. He can effectively break down defenses using his dribbling and create for himself at the wing position. Not only that, Djurisic can create for others and has the ability to make the right pass. He showcased this as he played in an on-ball role this season for Mega, and that was when he was at his best. Djurisic takes advantage of his six-foot-eight frame to be able to make passes that shorter ball-handlers wouldn’t be able to see. He can also make a variety of different types of passes and operates well in the pick and roll.
As a scorer, Djurisic is an effective finisher, shooting 51.9% at the rim. He utilizes dribble moves, pump fakes, and the like to shake defenders when going to the basket. Djurisic is also effective in shooting the ball off the dribble and he takes more of those shots than spot-up. His shooting mechanics look decent as well.
Weaknesses
While Djurisic does have unique strengths and upside in many areas, he does have various areas in which he needs to improve. For starters, despite having a decent shooting form, Djurisic isn’t consistent shooting the ball, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. He will need to improve his shooting to take his game to the next level. He also needs to improve his free-throw shooting. While Djurisic is an effective driver and finisher, he can be one-dimensional going to the basket, as he tends to favor his right hand much more than his left. Additionally, Djurisic could stand to tighten his handle and improve on his turnovers. Djurisic averaged 3.2 turnovers this season, so he would need to improve his passing and decision-making because he does get stuck in situations where he just turns the ball over.
On defense, he can struggle to guard on the perimeter due to his lack of lateral quickness. He doesn’t have the greatest athleticism, however his athleticism is acceptable. While Djurisic does have great positional size, he can be inconsistent as a defender. This is most noticeable in terms of his focus and effort level, which can wane at times.
NBA Comparison
One name that comes to mind when thinking about players who have similar games to Djurisic is Franz Wagner. Both are ball-handling wings who are shot creators and can shoot a little. Another name that fits that mold is Danilo Gallinari, who shares many of the same strengths and weaknesses of Djurisic.
