After reports of Oklahoma City inking Real Madrid forward Gabriel Deck, it appears that Sam Presti is still not done splashing in the international market. As first reported by Chema de Lucas and further relayed to Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic, Serbian guard Vasilje Micic is expected to join the Thunder roster for next season.
Micic, age 27, may be the final remnant of Sam Hinkie’s “Trust the Process” era to come over to play in the NBA. Micic was selected with the 52nd pick in 2014 by Philadelphia, but a collateral of overseas contracts turned the guard from “draft-and-stash” to empty selection rather hastily.
Micic’s first consideration of coming to the States circulated in May 2020 following a career 15 point, 5.8 assist breakthrough with Anadolu Efes — but neither the 76ers or Micic reached an agreement, resulting in his return to Anadolu Efes.
Oklahoma City claimed Micic’s rights as a then throw-in for a draft night move that saw Al Horford and Theo Maledon settle in Bricktown while Philidelphia netted Terrance Ferguson, Vincent Poirer, and Danny Green.
As aforementioned by Schlecht, Micic has rejected Anadolu Efes’ extension and Real Madrid’s deal (coincidentally, where Gabriel Deck played) in order to join Oklahoma City’s roster next season.
The point-guard has been regarded as one of the top players playing outside of the NBA in his playing career. Micic was ranked as the fifth-best EuroLeague player by eurohoops to open the 2020-21 season, and with season averages of 16.1 points and 5.0 assists through 33 appearances, Micic has more than lived up to his praise.
Given his arsenal of no-look and jump-passes, the 6-foot-6 guard is yet another crafty playmaker added to Oklahoma City’s ammunition. Micic should gel right into the Thunder’s drive-and-dish style of play, and with shooting a career 35.8-percent from distance — he may provide much more than advertised.