Australian three-time NBA champion, Luc Longley, is urging the Golden State Warriors to look closely at Adelaide 36ers guard, Josh Giddey, during Friday's NBA Draft.
Giddey, a prospective lottery pick, has been playing in the NBL for the past two years.
The 18-year-old is the #13th ranked prospect in ESPN's Top 100 NBA Draft projections and is likely to be the first international prospect off the board at this week's draft in Brooklyn.
Longley, who played alongside Michael Jordan for three titles with the Chicago Bulls from 1994-98, has been lobbying former Bulls teammate - current Golden State Warriors head coach - Steve Kerr, to look at Giddey closely.
"I've been on the phone with Steve Kerr once a week saying: 'Look at this guy. Steve, don't miss this guy, do not sleep on this guy,'" Longley told NBA Australia.
Giddey - at 202cm - is best suited to the modern point guard position, as his passing talents and basketball IQ are reminiscent of fellow NBL graduate, and current Charlotte Hornet, LaMelo Ball.
"I'm going to surprise you but I think that his court vision, his spatial awareness and his understanding of that part of the game is at the same level, this past season, as LaMelo Ball," Longley continued.
"At the same level or better than LaMelo Ball was when he was in the NBL.
"Here's the thing, he's 6'8 and probably still growing. His dad has passed on some really good genes, as far as his resilience, his toughness, his humility, and his Australian-ness, let's just go with that.
"He's going to work hard, he's a tough kid, and I believe he's going to translate really well. I'd be really surprised if he doesn't kick some arse."
The Warriors hold picks #7 and #14 in the upcoming draft, but have reportedly been shopping picks around, looking in return for an All-Star-calibre player.
The imminent drafting of Giddey is another stellar advertisement for Australian basketball and the impact of the NBL in developing young players.
Ball, RJ Hampton and Terrance Ferguson are notable young NBA stars who paved their way through the NBL.
Furthermore, Torrey Craig - who just made his debut NBA finals appearance with the Phoenix Suns - has had multiple NBL stints with the Cairns Taipans and Brisbane Bullets.
Giddey just missed out on the final cut for the Boomers squad which travelled to the Tokyo Olympics this month, but his future - both internationally and in the NBA - certainly looks very bright.
