The Europe/NBA transition from Vasilije Micic is not easy, since he went from star status on the Old Continent to a simple “role player” in the United States, but he seems to be taking the right path over the past month.
After confiding to us “ stay patient » at the beginning of January, the Serb has been much more efficient since (61% shooting, 43% 3-pointers and 88% free throws for eleven games), beyond having found a place in the rotation of the Thunderwith a series of ten meetings without “DNP” (for around 12 minutes on average).
No regrets regarding his choice
No doubt acclimated to the grueling NBA schedule, whose pace is frantic, Vasilije Micic's role no longer has anything to do with the one he still had in October/November, when he accumulated “DNPs” and was content of a few ends of the match, without particularly shining.
“ It may not be that easy to live with, but it's really not important to me. The most important thing is how I feel now and it shows me that everything has meaning and was done for a reason » noted the person concerned, satisfied with this decision to leave Anadolu Efes.
Visibly calmed at just 30 years old, the very competitive Vasilije Micic did not hesitate to put himself in danger at this stage of his career, he who never backs down from the slightest challenge.
“ Nothing was guaranteed to him, he didn't want it to be » says his coach in this sense, Mark Daigneault. “ What he wanted was an opportunity and he returned to the bottom of the ladder after working very hard to reach the top. As a person, I really respect the courage it takes to put yourself in this position. »
A real plus on and off the field
Nicknamed “ the magician » by his coach, Vasilije Micic draws on all the experience he has been able to accumulate in Europe to succeed in getting used to his new role and his new situation at Oklahoma City. Where he leaves no one indifferent with his gaming intelligence, saying “ happier » when he passes than when he scores.
“ He really thinks the game with a high level of anticipation. His basketball IQ is incredibly high » assures Mark Daigneault. “ Everyone on the team knows to be ready when he carries the ball, because he's going to find you. It doesn't matter your position on the field. If he thinks you're open and you think you are, then the ball will come to you » adds Jaylin Williams.
Increasingly confident and comfortable, within a team ofOklahoma City who wins (32-13, leader in the West), Vasilije Micic brings to his younger teammates this wisdom which allows him, today, not to worry about his personal situation.
“ When you play on a winning team, it is very important to find some kind of inner peace and put your ego aside. » insists the leader, who averages 3.3 points and 2.4 assists over the season. “ This is the hardest part, especially for young players. »
| Vasilije Micic | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | OKAY | 24 | 12 | 41.1 | 25.0 | 76.9 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 3.3 |
| Total | 24 | 12 | 41.1 | 25.0 | 76.9 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 3.3 | |
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.
