By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Vlatko Cancar is going through his third NBA season at the Denver Nuggets extending the push to earn playing time under head coach Michael Malone. Remaining a teammate of Nikola Jokic has enhanced his game as he attempts to grab every opportunity when it presents itself.
“The stats just show that he is a better player this season. Also, it’s his voice on the floor, the next step that he put into his game. You could see that in the Playoffs but now he started from the beginning of the season,” he noted comparing the Joker’s current season with the 2020-21 MVP campaign, “As long as you listen to him, I feel like the game will be easy. He’s been in so many situations. There is nothing that the MVP hasn’t seen.”
In the last three games of the 2021-22 Regular Season, the Slovenian small forward has averaged 17.6 minutes per contest. He put up 5.7 points per game, including nine in Wednesday’s loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I am just happy when my name gets called,” he mentioned in the postgame press conference, “I feel like I am doing a lot of work and staying ready. That’s why maybe I can sit out for twenty games and still be ready. I feel if you shape your game to the team, it can be really easy.”
Cancar, 24, was selected by the Nuggets with the 49th overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft. The Slovenian international jumped to the NBA ahead of the 2019-20 season following stints at San Pablo Burgos, Mega, and Olimpija. He had played in 14 Basketball Champions League games and eight 7DAYS EuroCup games.
Besides long-term injuries to Jamal Murray, PJ Dozier, and Michael Porter Jr., towering center Bol Bol was recently placed in the league’s health and safety protocols. Combined with the constant effort to improve and stay ready, Cancar has earned a shot to crack the rotation.
The Nuggets are currently 15-15 sitting in the middle of the Western Conference table. Up next, a home fixture opposite the Charlotte Hornets Thursday.
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