OKC Thunder: Rookie Vasilije Micic Records 11 Assists in First Two Contests
The adjustment to the NBA from any level of competition is extremely difficult. This is true even for a player like Vasilije Micic, who is 29 years old and has won at the highest level internationally.
Between the pace of play, spacing and high volume of isolation possessions, it takes time to get acquainted to NBA competition. It’s been a slow start to Micic’s NBA career in many respects, but the passing upside has shined bright.
In his first ever NBA action last week, he came off the bench and notched three assists early in his debut. From there, he was able to start in his second game in the preseason with Oklahoma City resting all of its starters. He proved to be a legitimate facilitator, notching eight assists in just 26 minutes of play.
This got him to 11 assists in his first two games with the Thunder.
The 3-point shot and defensive side of the ball are still areas of the game in which Micic has a long way to go. That will come with time, but at minimum he’s proven to be a legitimate distributor as an older rookie.
Oklahoma City’s next contest will come against the Milwaukee Bucks, where Micic will look to continue improving. Regardless of who takes the floor against him, the Serbian guard will get more quality minutes ahead of the start of the regular season.
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