Slovenian forward Vlatko Cancar is heading back to Europe after six seasons in the NBA, signing a multi-year deal with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, the club announced Tuesday.
Cancar, 28, spent his entire NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, appearing in 158 games and winning a championship with the team in 2023. He averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds during his tenure in Denver, largely playing in a reserve role.
The 2.03-meter small forward is now set to make his debut in the EuroLeague with Milan, who continue to strengthen their roster in a busy offseason. His return marks a full circle for the Slovenian, who last played in Europe in 2019 before departing for the NBA.
Before his time in the United States, Cancar developed through the youth ranks at Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia, where he also made his EuroCup debut during the 2015–16 season. He later played for Skofja Loka in Slovenia’s second division, honing his skills before moving abroad.
In 2016, Cancar signed with Mega Belgrade in Serbia and spent two seasons there before transferring to Spain in 2018 to join San Pablo Burgos. His performances in Spain paved the way for his jump to the NBA later that year.
Cancar also has a decorated international résumé with Slovenia’s national team, highlighted by winning a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2017.
