Oklahoma City Thunder's Serbian star Vasilije Micic aims to jump to NBA this summer

Few are as good at acquiring future assets as Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Back in 2014, the Philadelphia 76ers drafted Serbian guard Vasilije Micic with the 52nd pick in the second round. For years, Micic’s status went unchanged, until 2020, when the Thunder acquired his draft rights in a trade with the 76ers for Danny Green.

At the time, Micic’s draft rights exchanging hands didn’t make any waves in the NBA. Overseas, fans have gotten to know Micic as a breakout star with Anadolu Efes, becoming a two-time champion while taking home EuroLeague MVP honors in 2021.

But now Anadolu’s coach Ergin Ataman is leaving for Panathinaikos, and the Efes may not be the same team Micic has enjoyed in recent years. According to the team’s GM, Micic, 29, has his eyes on the NBA instead. The 6-foot-5 veteran recently traveled to Oklahoma where he may have begun negotiations on a contract.

“We are following the developments after yesterday’s draft. Micic really wants to go to the NBA. He has an option on his contract until July 20. I don’t know if he will make another request. We are waiting for Micic for now.”
Anadolu’s GM on Vasilije Micic’s desire to join the NBA

The Thunder took a major leap forward as a team last season, going from 24 wins to 40 while competing for a playoff spot. That growth is only expected to continue in Mark Daigneault’s fourth season as head coach with several young pieces furthering their development.

Part of their cornerstones include guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, taking away from Micic’s minutes since they share the same position. But there’s no guarantee how much of a role Micic will earn in his first season stateside.

Vasilije Micic’s stats last season: 16 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.2 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 43% FG, 35% 3PT

There’s also the possibility that the Thunder trade Micic’s draft rights again. Yet, having a veteran who also has plenty of experience playing in clutch moments of postseason play could prove valuable for a young group still learning how to be more consistent too. Finding a consistent role shouldn’t prove too difficult.