Former 76ers Draft Stash Could Finally Make NBA Debut

NBA hopeful Vasilije Micic might be on the path to finally making his debut in the States.

Before the Philadelphia 76ers closed the book on the Brett Brown chapter and re-shaped the front office by hiring Daryl Morey as the President of Basketball Operations, the team was typically very active in drafting young prospects rather than eager to trade picks for win-now prospects.

Back in 2014, the Sixers selected a Serbian guard with high upside late in the second round of the draft. With the 52nd overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Philadelphia landed Vasilije Micic, who started his pro career overseas playing for Bayern.

Micic has wanted to come to the US to play for quite some time now, but the Sixers couldn’t find room on the roster to call him over. Eventually, Micic became a piece in the draft night blockbuster that swapped Al Horford for Danny Green as the Sixers traded with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020.

Considering the Thunder were in the midst of a rebuild, it seemed there was a chance Micic could finally get an opportunity to compete in the NBA. However, it’s been a few seasons since the Sixers traded Micic’s rights to the Thunder, and the opportunity still hasn’t come.

Soon, that could change. Not only did Micic’s current team’s general manager confirm the guard’s steady interest in playing in the Association, but Micic was also around the Thunder recently. While Thunder GM Sam Presti won’t reveal what Micic’s presence around the team means, a recent report from Sportal reiterates that Micic remains “determined” to play in the NBA.

At this point in his overseas career, Micic has an extensive resume. He’s a three-time Turkish League champion, two-time All-Europe Player of the Year, two-time All-EuroLeague Second Team, one-time All-EuroLeague First Team, two-time EuroLeague Final Four MVP, two-time EuroLeague champion, and a Turkish League Finals MVP.

During his most recent season playing for Anadolu Efes, Micic averaged 16 points, five assists, and three rebounds while shooting 44 percent from the field and knocking down 36 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.

Although Micic’s been ready to play in the NBA since he was a member of the Sixers, the Serbian guard seems to be pushing hard for his debut in the league this season at 29 years old.