At the heart of the freewheeling end of the season Wizardssome Tristan Vukcević (son of Dusan Vukcevic, who had a successful career in Europe in the 1990s and 2000s…) took the opportunity to take his first steps far from the European continent.
At just 21 years old, this Serbian interior has indeed flown to Washington two weeks ago, from Partizan Belgrade. A surprising choice at this stage of the year, but which belongs entirely to him (for $600,000 in compensation…) and this, almost a year after being selected in 42nd position in the 2023 Draft by the capital franchise .
“ It was my decision, I wanted to come here. But I don't know what's next, I'm taking things day by day » he explained this Monday, coming off victory in Chicago.
Welcomed and comfortable in Washington
Facing the Bulls precisely, Tristan Vukcevic took the opportunity to score his first points in the NBA (6 points and 3 rebounds in nine minutes), in what constitutes his second game across the Atlantic (three minutes and a blank statistics sheet against the Raptors , Saturday night).
“ It was really great » reacted the one who admired his shooting quality in Illinois (2/4 at 3-points). “ I know there are a lot of Serbs in Chicago and they encouraged me a lot. I feel good because everyone welcomed and accepted me. »
Used as a relay for Richaun Holmes, and put in competition with Marvin Bagley III coming off the bench, Tristan Vukcevic is still adapting to this recent change in culture and style of play. But after two weeks in a new environment, he says to himself more than satisfied with his first steps in the United States.
“ I'm really happy with the confidence the coach has in me » he appreciates. “ It was difficult for me in Europe and now I have to completely change my style of play, since basketball is different here. But it's not a problem for me, I take things day by day and the more I play the better I will become. »
Then Tristan Vukcevic continued: “ I've been doing this all my life, it's not a problem for me to adapt quickly to a new system. I love playing basketball and the more I'm on the court, the better I feel. »
| Tristan Vukcević | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | W.A.S. | 1 | 3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total | 1 | 3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
