Ružić is one of the younger players in the draft, but does he have the potential to grow into an NBA-caliber big?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have two late second-round draft picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Using one or both of those picks on a possible draft-and-stash international player might make sense, considering who they already have under contract.
Michael Ružić is an international prospect who could potentially fit that mold.
As an important disclaimer, we are not draft experts. This article contains links to people who are. I’d encourage you to check those out to find out more information.
Who is Michael Ružić?
Ružić is an 18-year-old, 6’10” Croatian big with potential. He projects to be a good shooter and has solid defensive instincts, although he isn’t close to being ready for NBA minutes.
Many of the players that we’ve profiled so far are fifth-year seniors who are going to be 23 or 24 years old by the start of the season. Ružić is on the other end of the spectrum. He hasn’t yet reached his potential, but it’s fair to wonder how good of a player he could be if he does.
Ružić missed the beginning of last season with a thumb injury and was bad when he returned. He only played 17 games and 11 minutes per outing with Joventut in Spain. Ružić struggled in those limited minutes as he provided 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game on .462/.200/.333 shooting splits. This all resulted in his draft stock falling.
It’s difficult to project someone so young who needs to grow physically. Ružić’s lack of strength and foot speed is a real problem at his current level. But there is offensive upside that could outweigh those.
Where is Ružić expected to go in the draft?
Ružić is expected to go late in the second round. Big boards have him between the mid-40s and high 50s.
What do the experts say about Ružić?
Jonathan Dogbo of Babcock Hoops:
Michael Ruzic is a young, skilled forward with significant upside, particularly as a shooter and finisher. While his lack of strength and defensive limitations currently hold him back, his high basketball IQ and solid fundamentals provide a foundation for development. With improvements in physicality and shooting consistency, Ruzic has the potential to become a valuable stretch forward at the professional level.
NBA.com scouting report from RotoWire:
Ruzic mostly projects as a stretch five at the NBA level, though he’s young and may need to add weight to make a physical impact in the post. Regardless, this is a skill set that most teams desire and may take a chance on with a second-round pick. With his length, shooting and shot-blocking potential, Ruzic could share broad comparisons to NBA players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Ersan Ilyasova.
Draft Express breakdown:
How could Ružić help the Cavs?
The Cavs need bigs and cost-controlled rotation players as they project to be a second-apron team into the future.
Taking a flyer on someone with Ružić’s size and potential is a worthwhile gamble. This is especially true if he’s someone who can continue to develop in Spain and doesn’t need an immediate roster spot.
This could be a worthwhile gamble with a late second-round pick.