Objašnjenje zašto je Portland pozvao Ulm na pripremnu utakmicu

Portland's invitation came, in large part, due to a couple of Ulm youngsters who are doing very well this season and are projected first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Born in 2006, Ben Saraf – viewed by many as at least a lottery pick – averages 14.5 points, 6.0 assists and a PIR of 14.8 in four EuroCup games. Then there is Noa Essengue – likely a mid-to-late first-round pick – who was also born in 2006 and has posted 12.2 points on solid shooting (66.2% 2FG, 40.0% 3FG), 5.8 rebounds and a PIR of 17.5 in four EuroCup games.

Understandably, the Blazers wanted to see them both up close and personal – and there were many scouts from other NBA teams in attendance on Monday night, too. Asked about why Portland called Ulm and not any other team, Leibenath agreed on the fact that the club's policy regarding young players made it happen.