Dressed for the occasion with a suit – turtleneck combo of the most beautiful effect, elegant for New Year's Eve, Vasilije Micic was a little late at our microphone after the Thunder's new victory, against Brooklyn (124- 108), but the double Euroleague champion leader and OKC rookie played the question and answer game perfectly.
Like his entry into play against Minnesota on December 26, between flashes of passing genius which amazed the room, and clumsiness from afar which still prevents his full development, Vasilije Micic explains in particular that he still lacks benchmarks after only a dozen matches played.
And this, in a role with reduced playing time. And in a game that is simply faster and more physical.
Vasilije, what are your general impressions of your rookie season in the NBA (3 points, 3 assists in 13 minutes)?
It's quite satisfying. This is obviously a new challenge for me. We've only been together for three months, so we're still getting to know each other. I came to this team precisely because it has this quality of squad, but also of training young players. I like to challenge myself and that's why I decided to come here. I remain patient and try to contribute as best I can to help the team.
How is your adaptation to the American style of play going?
It's different, it's faster, it's more physical. At the same time, there are other ways to play and adapt. In any case, when you're on the pitch, you have to find a way to contribute something. Above all, you have to read the game quickly and react quickly behind it because there are many situations where you have to adapt in the moment. This is where I can still improve. My role is different here, for sure, but I'm learning to do different things. It will happen gradually.
Exactly, you mention your role. How do you go from being a double MVP in the Euroleague, option no. 1, to being a replacement, at this stage of an already busy career?
It's difficult. But I knew that before coming. It wasn't a surprise. And then, in my career, this is not the first time that I have arrived somewhere and that I am not one of the first options. I'm going to try to find a way to play a bigger role. But, you also have to see that on my job, there is probably the best or one of the best [meneurs] of the League. And Jalen Williams next. For now, I'm already very happy to be able to help the team win. As long as I contribute to the team, it makes me happy.
“We could build a very good team with great ambitions”
You waited a long time before deciding to cross the Atlantic, what was really holding you back?
Honestly, since they had my rights, it wasn't easy to find another team. During those three years, I was ready to come to Oklahoma City. And then, when we received this offer [cet été], we felt sufficiently supported, and personally, I felt that they really believed in me. That's what convinced me to come, not to wait another season. Now I'm trying to find my place in the squad here. While knowing that it will be as a replacement given the squad we currently have.
If you are still an expert at passing, especially laser, you are currently experiencing a small breakdown in skill, at 0/14 at 3-points in your last eight matches.
Shooting 3-points, for me, it's different from most players, because I'm going to have my shots in return for the pass. Or on shots off the dribble. It's something that requires spending time on the floor. Right now, I'm mostly playing the actions as they come. But I'm sure it will come back.
One last question: Serbia has qualified for the next Olympic Games in Paris, is this one of your objectives?
I'm honestly very motivated. First of all, I hope that we will all be healthy and ready to play, with the entire team. We could build a very good team with great ambitions.
Comments collected in Oklahoma City
| Vasilije Micic | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | OKAY | 13 | 13 | 31.0 | 20.0 | 66.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 2.7 |
| Total | 13 | 13 | 31.0 | 20.0 | 66.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 2.7 | |
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.
