Vasilije Micic, a seasoned EuroLeague champion and MVP, has recently embarked on his rookie NBA journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder at the of 29.
Reflecting on his early experiences in the NBA, Micic highlighted the stark contrasts between the EuroLeague and the NBA.
“It’s open space, it’s very high pace of the game compared to EuroLeague,” Micic remarked, acknowledging the fast-paced nature of the NBA.
He emphasized the strategic advantages that the open paint provides for creative ball handlers. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on adapting swiftly to the dynamic style of play in the NBA.
“The paint is more open, so there are a lot of opportunities for creative guys to reach the pain and create the advantage, especially good ball handlers,” the Serbian point guard continued.
“But also it’s kind of a little bit easier to create from that spacing. For me, I still try to adjust. It’s quite still new everything for me. But I’m happy that all of them helped me to learn as fast as I can. I think all together we’ll reach some good point.”
Describing his initial preseason games, Micic admitted, “The pace is so hard. Yesterday I played, I think 20-something minutes, and I feel like I played 45. It was very, very high pace.”
Acknowledging the fierce competition and the established camaraderie among players, he remains committed to making the most of every opportunity to prove his skills and contribute meaningfully to the team.
“It’s also challenging for me because I like to play,” Micic said. “The reason I came here is not to just be in the NBA. I want to get my opportunity if I can, if I have enough quality to play with these guys.
“Of course, I’m aware of their status here and most of them they already played for many years together. But also I have my opportunity, so I’m trying to adjust, as I said, as fast as I can because there is not so much time before the season.”
When discussing his learning process, Micic expressed his eagerness to assimilate quickly into the demands of the NBA.
“Every day is an opportunity,” he emphasized. “I’m grabbing from everyone a little piece and gathering to some ideal picture for me to look at least good on the court. By the time, I think I’ll be better on the bench.”
In the first two preseason games Micic had 7 points and 3 assists in 17 minutes against the Pistons and 6 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists in 26 minutes against the Hornets.
