Should the Thunder try to Retain Vasilije Micic?
The Vasilije Micic drama has been a year-to-year ordeal that the Oklahoma City Thunder were able to count on when the offseason rolled around. However, things may be different this time.
According to reports, it seems as if Micic is ready to make the leap that brings him over to the NBA. Sam Presti and the Thunder have held his rights since 2020, and he did not want to play a part in the initial rebuild.
Now, Micic is reportedly keen on making his leap overseas to the NBA, and he has been willing to lessen his expectations when it comes to a potential role and money.
It’s hard to imagine the Thunder would be able to give him the role he may want in the league, as the priority will be to develop as much young talent as the Thunder have the golden opportunity to do so while evaluating talent this season.
After a surprising, over successful season, the Thunder still have no expectations of substance. They’re playing a slow rebuild that won’t see them jump the gun and try to compete too early.
For Micic, a team with no expectations may be the best route to go. While having a decorated overseas resume, Micic has no proof that he will or can succeed playing in the NBA. He’s definitely talented, as his EuroLeague MVP, two EuroLeague championships and two EuroLeague Final Four MVPs would suggest. Still, Micic will have to translate his game to the NBA.
With the Thunder, Micic will still be able to get opportunities to earn plenty of minutes off the bench, as he and Carson Wallace could lead the Thunder in minutes off the bench. However, there are likely to be more bench minutes on another team elsewhere.
Micic’s best chance to prove himself will be in a sixth-man role, assuming no team will give the unproven guard a starting role, on a solid team where he can assist in winning.
For the Thunder, if they can’t recoup any value in a trade to send Micic’s rights to a desired situation, there’s no point in making the trade.
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