NBA Draft: Jiri Welsch continues to get rave reviews
Jiri Welsch's first trip to America consisted of a week living in gyms and and a hotel in Phoenix. Still, he was impressed.
"It is very beautiful here," Welsch told Insider in an exclusive interview. "I'm just happy to finally realize my dream."
So are a number on NBA teams. After a string of four impressive workouts, league sources say Welsch probably won't be around when the Suns draft at No. 22. In the last week he worked out for the Rockets, Jazz, Suns and Raptors. All four teams raved about his workout.
Welsch is a 6-foot-6 combo guard with above-average athleticism and a sweet shooting touch. But it's his ability to handle the ball and run a team from the point that has NBA scouts drooling.
"He's the real deal," one league executive who has scouted Welsch told Insider. "He's real tough and a great defender. He's got long arms and loves to attack the basket. He's very mature. He's played at a high level for a few years, so he should be able to step in and contribute immediately."
Welsch said he's even more versatile than that, comparing his game to Sonics guard Brent Barry. "I'm very much a shooting guard, who can play a little bit to the point guard spot and a little bit at also three. So, I think I can handle three positions in the NBA."
Still, Welsch knows that playing in the NBA will be an adjustment. When the Suns asked him to start shooting threes -- NBA threes -- he knew he was in a little bit of trouble.
"There was a little problem," Welsch told Insider. "I've never practiced shooting NBA threes. It's very far. I did not shoot so well in my first few workouts. But by Tuesday I was starting to nail them."
Welsch also said he understands that he'll have to add more strength and quickness to his game, but he's already comfortable playing against NBA-caliber players. In the past few years he's played against Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki and Kenyon Martin. He's not intimidated.
"I like to compete," he said. "Playing in the NBA lets you compete with the best players in the world. They are incredible players, but that doesn't mean I'll back down."
Welsch returned Thursday to Slovenia to finish the season for his team, Union Olimpija. At the end of the season Welsch is a free agent, meaning he'll have nothing encumbering him from joining the team that drafts him next season. He'll return to the U.S. in mid-June to complete workouts with the Bucks, Pacers, Hornets and Blazers.