Chosen in 50th position in the 2021 Draft by the Sixers, Filip Petrusev hoped to join the NBA directly but Philadelphia was in no hurry and preferred to let him harden up in Europe.
First at Efes Istanbul, in 2021/22, then at Red Star Belgrade where the 2m11 interior had more responsibilities, turning in particular this season to 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds on average (22.3 minutes of playing time) in 34 Euroleague matches, with 54% shooting success, including 35% from 3-pointers.
What finally allow him to integrate the group of Nick Nurse?
“This is the goal I set myself every year”, thus answers the Serbe upstream of the summer league. “For now, I’m just here to participate in the summer league. I let my agents take care of those things. But I’m just here to compete in the summer league and show what I can do. »
On the side of his agents, we explained a few weeks ago that we were not considering a return to Europe.
“If he doesn’t sign in the NBA before August, then we will listen to the Red Star because he loves the environment here”assured Misko Raznatovic. “But deep down, I’m not considering European options. I think Filip Petrusev will be in the NBA next season. If not, then of course he will continue with his Belgrade club. »
It remains to be seen what the Sixers will decide, with Filip Petrusev counting on his size and his shooting to finally make his way into the Big League, at 23 years old.
“I was in Europe after (Gonzaga’s) college for the past few years. So I was able to do a lot of things there, especially last year in the EuroLeague, which is the highest level after the NBA. And I had a very, very good year playing power forward before playing center. Whatever the team needs, I’m ready. »
