Kings F Sasha Vezenkov Viewed as Potential ROTY Candidate by NBA GMs

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the 2023-24 NBA season will revolve around the impressive rookie class that steps into the league. Whether it be the San Antonio Spurs French phenom C Victor Wembanyama, the promising new Portland Trail Blazers G Scoot Henderson, or even the Oklahoma City Thunder second-overall selection from a season ago, F Chet Holmgren, there is a lot to love with these new faces.

However, one name that continues to remain under the radar as a top “rookie” of this season is Sacramento Kings F Sasha Vezenkov. While he might sit with an unorthodox age for a first-year player at 28 years old, his talent level might be comparable to some of the top in the class.

During a recent vote from NBA GMs, executives anonymously voted for who they think is the most likely to win the Rookie of the Year award for the 2023-24 season. Of course, hot commodities like Wembanyama and Scoot collected a majority of the consideration (77% combined), but Vezenkov did not go unnoticed, gaining 3% of the vote.

Sacramento Kings F Sasha Vezenkov was voted fourth most-likely to win the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year award by GM’s. pic.twitter.com/vbOEcLPwiz
— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) October 10, 2023

Seeing the EuroLeague MVP get ROTY honors over some of these prospects would be pretty astonishing. Guys like Wembanyama and Henderson will secure a massive chunk of the offensive responsibility for their teams from day one, while Vezenkov will likely have to work his way into Sacramento’s starting five with time. That gives them a pretty steep leg up on the competition.

Still, Vezenkov has already started his campaign to see some increased looks in the rotation with an impressive preseason debut off the bench. During Sunday’s match against the Toronto Raptors, he put up 12 points, two rebounds, and an assist on 57% shooting from the field (2-4 from three).

Vezenkov provides some elite shot-making ability from all three levels that can be used in an assortment of lineups, starting or not. Slotting him next to All-NBA players like G De’Aaron Fox and C Domantas Sabonis might limit his total ceiling of offensive counting numbers, but the playmaking ability those two provide could ultimately enhance Vezenkov's ability to get open looks around the floor.

With only one preseason game under Sacramento's belt, there is a ton more for fans to uncover with Vezenkov (maybe even a potential ROTY campaign...). After a tough loss to the Raptors on Sunday, Sasha and the rest of the Kings will head home to face the Los Angeles Lakers with a chance to bounce back.

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