Vasilije Micic may have left Oklahoma City during the season for Charlotte, but he has clearly retained good relations with the leaders of the Thunder.
So much so that the Hornets point guard served as an advisor to Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti for his draft choice and the selection of Nikola Topic. The manager explained on Wednesday that he relied on Vasilije Micic's advice to learn more about the now ex-point guard of Red Star Belgrade.
” We honestly spent a lot of time with 'Vasa' talking about this player » smiled Sam Presti at a press conference. Micic's analysis was interesting in more than one way for the Thunder's front office. In addition to the parallel between the two Serbs, playing on the back lines and relying on a high basketball IQ, the former Euroleague MVP also suffered a serious knee injury at the age of 17, when he had just start among the pros with Mega Vizura, which became Mega MIS and Topic club during the first half of the 2023-2024 season. Nikola Topic is expected to be out for the entire season while he recovers from his torn ligament.
“ I think everyone knows what we think of Micic, he has such knowledge of basketball ” specified Sam Presti. “Being able to talk to him, not just about the player that Topic is, but also what he goes through at his age, was important from an empathy point of view as well. »
Sam Presti praised the unique and important insight that Vasa Micic had on Nikola Topić as a player, fellow Serbian and going through an injury as a younger player. pic.twitter.com/BQaj7tAglQ
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) June 27, 2024
In his work as an informal scout, Vasilije Micic not only talked to the Thunder about Topic, but also advised his young compatriot about the Oklahoma City franchise. Yes, I spoke with Vasilije, he only told me good things about the Thunder but also more broadly about the NBA » mentioned the 12th pick in the Draft to the media. ” He only told me positive things. »
