By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Svi Mykhailiuk was the latest guest on the World of Basketball podcast to discuss how he experienced being traded by the Lakers, missing out on playing in the Orlando bubble, Luka Doncic, being recognized by opposing players, as well as his connection with Patrick Beverly and other NBA stars that have played in his home country.
“We were sitting with Mo (Wagner) and behind me was (Ivica) Zubac. Zubac was on twitter and he was like “sh-t, you’re getting traded” (laughs). I was like “what, really?”. That was crazy”, said Mykhailiuk of learning he got traded by the Lakers.
He then explained how he surprised the Celtics with his shooting abilities, and how players need to pay more respect to each other.
“I feel like players start to recognize…I mean you know first year I didn’t play that much. Second year started so-so. Didn’t really play first four games. But Then moving during the season forward I feel like players started to recognize what your abilities are. Strong weak sides. And I feel like they’re giving me a little more respect”, Svi said.
He then also discussed the Slovenian sensation, Luka Doncic, and how he values him as an opponent.
“I never get it. He’s not fast, but he goes by people so easily. He just knows how to use his body, he’s a really smart kid. Really young putting up crazy numbers. Really high IQ. He knows how to play the game. Watching him play, I could never tell he could do like that. I have a lot of respect for him”, he mentioned.
The Pistons didn’t make it to the Orlando bubble to finish off the season, a disappointing turn of events for Mykhailiuk, who wanted to keep playing.
“I just wanted to finish the season on a great note and keep playing. We probably wouldn’t have made it to the playoffs, but still, it would be great to keep playing basketball”.
The Ukrainian forward then shared his memories of watching now successful NBA players like Patrick Beverley back in his home country as a kid. Beverley started his career in Dnipro in 2008 before heading to the NBA, and Mykhailiuk had seen him in action several times.
“I was watching him. PJ Tucker was also playing for Donetsk. I remember we were playing Clippers this year and he (Beverley) realized I’m from Ukraine and he was talking to me in Ukrainian and stuff. I used to go to the games and watch him play”, he added.