Why Thunder Rookie Vasilije Micic Could Be OKC's Serbian Secret Weapon

After seven years of not playing in the United States, Thunder rookie Vasilije Micic finally decided to make the switch from overseas basketball to the NBA, and he could very well be a hidden gem for the young team in his first season.

Even if he wasn't a decorated overseas professional, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Vasilije wouldn't need to prove himself.

It's been over seven years since the Serbian point guard entered and was selected in the NBA Draft, but he still has yet to make his league debut. It isn't because of a lack of talent, however, but rather a choice to remain oversees in other leagues.

It does sound strange, but as put it, not every Serbian player gets the same attention and respect as the region's best players do. it, not every Serbian player gets the same attention and respect as the region's best players do.

“I felt some doubt from the NBA," said in an interview last year, prior to his decision to make the switch to the league. "That doubt expands to everybody in a similar position, not me exclusively. Unless you are Nikola Jokic or Luka Doncic.”

Jokic and Doncic — sound familiar? Anyone answering “no” that question simply doesn't watch the NBA, nor the playoffs. Both players have emerged as superstars in recent years, continually putting up stat-lines beyond comprehension.

But not just everyone knows . Thunder fans? Most likely. That's what makes him unique, however.

isn't well known across the league, especially given the fact that he hasn't played a single NBA game since being drafted in 2014. But if one thing is for certain regarding the Thunder rookie, he should be. In fact, he could be Oklahoma City's secret weapon.

Vasilije Micić will wear No. 29 for the #Thunder. Number last worn by Mike Wilks in 2010. #NBA pic.twitter.com/PzPj7e3voT

— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 29, 2023

No, hasn't touched NBA hardwood since being drafted, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been playing. In his last three EuroLeague seasons, averaged 16, 18.1 and 16.1 points, respectively, to go along with nearly five rebounds and a 3-point percentage near 40 for all three years.

Not only does he have court vision, but he shows a level of athleticism that sets him apart from other guards in his league. That's what's allowed him to be a three-time All-EuroLeague Selection and a two-time champion. That's also what makes him dangerous — especially if the difference in difficulty level between European and NBA is true to Doncic's testimony:

"Scoring 30 points in a EuroLeague game [is] harder than in an NBA game, 100 percent," Doncic said on an episode of J.J. Redick's "The Old Man and the Three" podcast." Just because of the different rules, the amount of space [and] the time." 

So, accounting for the apparent difference in scoring difficulty, could certainly see a points per game increase — especially on a young team. While it will be his first year with the Thunder, he has plenty of seasons of professional basketball under his belt, setting him up to be a true leader for OKC's younger players.

As far as goes, the locker room may be the only place he'll really need to prove himself, which he shouldn't have too much issue with, especially with the level of talent he brings on the floor. But more than that, he's also proven to be reliable and passionate for the sport, even skipping out on playing in FIBA this year to prepare for his role with the Thunder.

"[ and I] had lengthy discussions, and he requested to skip this year," Serbian National coach Svetislav Pesic said.

The decision did give more time to work with OKC coach Mark Daigneault, which also resulted in a recent shoulder injury — yet another setback to his expected NBA debut. Luckily for the Thunder, it shouldn't keep him sidelined for long.

But it also doesn't matter to . Setbacks and expectations never have.

"If I go to the NBA one day, it will happen or it won’t," said in the same interview, again, still prior to his decision to officially switch to the NBA. "I really don’t think I need to prove myself there."

Needed or not, will get his chance in the league this season with OKC. If all goes well, he'll be suiting up for the Thunder's season opener, where his NBA journey truly begins. And soon enough, when teams see a 29-year-old rookie wearing No. 29 – they'll know exactly who he is.

No, he's still not Doncic or Jokic, but he is . And his "secret" talents may not be so secret for long. 

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