By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Former EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micic is gradually adjusting to the NBA, showcasing his capabilities in a win over the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, where he assumed a larger role.
In 17 minutes on the floor, the Serbian guard led the second unit of the Oklahoma City Thunder with 12 points and five assists, shooting 4-8, demonstrating his skills against one of the league’s best teams.
After the match, he spoke at the press conference about adapting to the NBA, his role, and the opportunity to impact the Thunder’s offense with the ball in his hands.
“It’s a story that’s kind of obvious for my case. I really understand what’s my position now, and how the surrounding perimeter position is with me. It’s not something that I didn’t know that it’s gonna happen, in terms of my role throughout the year. But every single day as a professional, you have to be ready, and work on small details, physically and mentally. Once you get that opportunity, you just do what’s best for the team. Playing with the ball is something that is very common for me throughout the years, and having that opportunity just to play that way was great for me to feel. But at the end of the day, I matured enough, and I have enough experience in terms of playing different types of roles. So, once you ask me to do whatever is necessary for the team, I’m able to do it. Tonight it was playing with the ball, maybe tomorrow it will be something else, but I’m happy that I had an impact on the game tonight, with everyone else,” Micic said.
He also commented on the biggest difference in adjusting to the NBA after dominating in the EuroLeague with Anadolu Efes in the past couple of years.
“Three-point line,” Micic joked. “A little bit of everything. Our style of basketball is very specific; we play mainly with four small players and with a lot of aggressiveness, and Chat Holmgren, who is capable of doing a lot of things as a guard, which is very interesting to be a part of. But once you learn how to play with the ball, it’s easier to adjust. This team is growing so fast, and whether people expected it or not, we know inside the team what we are doing every day. I also learn from them. It’s kind of funny that I have to talk to younger guys than me that much, but they really talk smartly and pay attention to every detail. Also, everyone from the coaching staff helps them to grow as persons and players. This helped me a lot to be in a position to feel as a part of the team.”
In his first NBA season, Vasilije Micic is averaging less than 12 minutes of play, scoring 3.5 points with 2.4 assists, but he’s gradually showing what he is capable of doing among the best in the world.