Checking in on Former Thunder Wing Vit Krejci

After showing promise as a rookie in OKC last year, former Thunder ball-handler Vit Krejci has struggled to find a role after being traded to the Hawks in late September.

Prior to the 2022-23 NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder sent second-year wing Vit Krejci to Atlanta in return for Maurice Harkless and two future second round picks. 

Harkless was waived by OKC, and while Krejci is still on the Hawks roster, the 22-year-old hasn't made much of an impact thus far in his new home. With Atlanta's deep wing rotation of Dejounte Murray, De'Andre Hunter, Justin Holiday and promising rookie AJ Griffin flanking superstar guard Trae Young, it has been hard for Krejci to find time on the floor.

Veteran wing Bogan Bogdanovic has yet to play this season for the Hawks, but is nearing a return according to Hawks General Manager Larry Fields. Once Bogdanovic is back in the lineup, it is likely that playing time will be harder to come by for Krejci. 

Last season in Oklahoma City, the 37th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft averaged 6.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 23 minutes per game, making 30 appearances and eight starts. In Atlanta this season, Krejci has played in eight of the Hawks 21 games but is yet to start a game. 

Krejci's top performance this season came against the Toronto Raptors on October 31, when the former Spanish league star scored a season-high five points and grabbed one rebound in a 30-point loss. The 6-foot-8 wing played 18 minutes in the Hawks 125-108 victory over the Orlando Magic on November 30, totaling one rebound and one assist in his longest outing of the year. 

Krejci was born in Strakonice, Czech Republic and played for the Spanish club Casademont Zaragoza before being selected by the Thunder in the second round of the 2020 draft. Krejci played his rookie season in 2021-22 after missing the 2020-21 season due to a knee injury. 

The former OKC wing will meet his former team on Monday, Dec. 5 when the Thunder travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. 

---

Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.