Meet Mirza Teletovic

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Updated: July 12, 2012

The Associated Press talks about the Brooklyn Nets new power forward from Bosnia Mirza Teletovic and all Nets fans should read up on this 6’9 250 pound shooter with a gorgeous release and innate ability to stroke that jumper with little room. Teletovic will flourish with a PG of the caliber of Deron Williams and will fill a big role with this new and improved Nets team. This guy will be one to watch and my feeling is he will become a huge signing from Billy King.

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Associated Press

Teletovic signed a three-year, $10 million contract with the Nets, one of two teams that pursued the 6-foot-9 versatile forward. Teletovic’s agent, Misko Raznatovic, said last month that his client had narrowed down his choices to the Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers, although Brooklyn general manager Billy King initially denied interest.

“The whole year long, while I was playing in Spain, I knew I wanted to come to play in the NBA,” Teletovic said. “I just wanted to find the best team. I told my agent he could talk to Cleveland, but I thought the Nets were the best option, especially after Deron Williams signed. I knew the Nets were the best team, a veteran team that wanted to win. I wanted to play for a team that will try and get a championship.

“I told my agent Cleveland had a young team. But when Deron decided to stay, it gave the Nets a better chance to compete.”

The Cavaliers were prepared to offer a more lucrative deal.

“The money didn’t matter to me,” Teletovic said. “I told my agent to push for the Nets. It was always my dream to play in the NBA and now that dream is coming true. I wasn’t worried about the contract. It was all about coming to a team that had a big chance to win.”

Teletovic credited his intense schooling for his knowledge of the English language. He averaged 16.9 points and nearly seven rebounds per game for Caja Laboral Vitoria of the Spanish ACB League, and averaged better than 21 points in 10 Eurocup contests.

Moving forward, Teletovic hopes to play both forward positions in the NBA.

“I played power forward in Europe, but I think I can help at both,” Teletovic said. “People have asked me if I need to adjust to play in the NBA, but I have always played like an NBA player, running up and down the floor, shooting from distance.”

Teletovic, 27, has played against NBA talent. In 2010, in fact, San Antonio and Memphis faced the Croatian national team.

Video: Mirza Teletovic Press Conference 


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