Hometown: Valmiera, Latvia
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 210
Position: Small Forward
Team: Union Olimpija Ljubljana
Class: 1992
Strengths
Right handed… Ever since the 2011 Nike Hoop Summit, Bertans has seen his stock on a steady incline and now lands into the first round as a prospect. While teams look for that next "Dirk Nowitzki"- a lengthy, sweet-shooting European big man, Bertans gives some teams hope with his top-notch perimeter shooting. He stands 6'10" with a quick release and deep range. He even has developed the ability to put the ball on the deck and create his own shot in terms of a pull-up jumper, but that's something that he needs to continue to work on… He has a great sense of the floor and has the court vision to match. As he continues to work on his handle, his court vision will keep him from developing into a one-dimensional player.
Weaknesses
Bertans was off to a great start during the Hoop Summit practices, but went cold during the game, but he has sky-high potential given his size, sweet stroke and age… He lacks solid athleticism and a quick first step, which will hinder his development to score off the dribble or create his own shot more so than he already can. Right now, when he puts the ball on the floor, he has a tendency to loose his handle and turn it over. A tighter handle will improve his ability to put the ball on his floor to create for himself and others… Defensively, Bertans needs some work. He struggled against Team USA's athleticism in the Nike Hoop Summit due to his average lateral quickness and length.
