Despite his 29 years, and as surprising as it may seem, Vasilije Micic will be with Chet Holmgren, Carson Wallace and Keyontae Johnson (“two-way contract”) one of the four rookies of the Thunder in 2023/24.
After winning everything in Europe, the Serbian actually decided to take the plunge for the United States this summer, nine years after being drafted in 52nd position. To listen to him, this was his last opportunity to rally America, after several unsuccessful attempts.
“ Honestly, this was the last summer I chased the NBA “, he confided during the “media day” ofOKAY. “ After this summer, I would no longer have considered leaving for the NBA, because I had the feeling that reaching the highest level in Europe was also very complicated. Staying there and playing at this level is something very, very difficult. I was also very happy there. But I’m very happy that it finally happened, because I worked for nine years to get there, and I think it was worth it. »
Also read: Can Vasilije Micic succeed in the NBA?
Advised by his compatriots
To ensure the validity of his choice, Vasilije Micic was able to obtain advice from several of his compatriots or ex-teammates.
<« Before arriving, I heard a lot of positive things about this organization from other people, especially from Serbians who were already in the NBA, and their comments or opinions were all very positive “, indicated the one whose NBA rights belonged to Philadelphia until 2020, before being abandoned to Oklahoma City. A franchise whose human qualities he already praises.
Presumably used off the bench by Mark Daigneault, behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, Vasilije Micic’s primary mission will be to dynamite the Thunder’s “second unit”. He averaged 16.0 points and 5.4 assists in the Euroleague last season (44% on shots, 36% on 3-pointers, 87% on throws).
<« I feel like I have to challenge myself and I told the coach that I can be the most enthusiastic player on the pitch, even though I’m older “, added the leader, who preferred to skip the last World Cup with Serbia in order to prepare as best as possible for his first year in the NBA.
We recall that Vasilije Micic signed a three-year, $23.5 million contract in Oklahoma.
