Sixers’ top European prospect considering jump to the NBA
This is going to be a difficult offseason for Elton Brand and his crew as they begin to fix last offseason’s mistakes. Luckily, help may be on its way.
After two impressive seasons with Anadolu Efes, and a good showing at the FIBA World Cup with team Serbia, Vasilije Micic has his eyes set on the NBA. Donatas Urbonas, a Lithuanian basketball reporter, broke the news via twitter on Friday:
Vasilije Micic on his future: „Anadolu Efes or the NBA – it’s the only scenarios I have for the next season“.
Micic, who played his career season (14.5ppg, 5.8apg), is under the contract with Efes until 2021. His NBA rights owned by the Sixers, but more NBA teams are after him.
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) May 8, 2020
Drafted 52nd overall by the Sixers in the 2014 NBA draft, Micic has garnered the attention of NBA teams for quite some time. The 6-5, 203lb guard is best know for his passing and three ball. Last season, he helped lead Anadolu Efes to the best record in the Euroleague (24-4) while averaging career highs in points per game (14.5) and assists (5.8). He also shot 40% on 5.4 three point attempts per game.
Micic has the makings of a great backup point guard, with some upside. While he lacks dynamic athleticism and jumping ability, he’s a smart player, who moves well with the ball in his hands. Although, his three turnovers per game in 2019-2020 are concerning. His jump shot isn’t the most consistent – Micic shot just 20% from three at the FIBA World Cup – but he does have the makings of a floor spacer. Micic’s passing is what will keep him in the league. He regularly makes Ben Simmons-esque no look passes. He also has great vision as a passer and his ability to look off targets on passes is impressive.
The Sixers’ struggled to create offense whenever Ben Simmons was on the bench or used in an off-ball role this season. We saw how well Josh Richardson and Simmons played in the two-man game, now imagine Simmons with an actual shot creator. The Addition of Micic would make Simmons’ life much easier.
According to Urbonas, teams are interested in Micic despite the fact the Sixers own his rights. Micic values playing time over anything else, it’s one of the reasons he has yet to join the NBA. If he decides the Sixers don’t have a clear path to playing time, he may stay in Europe or request a trade elsewhere. It’ll be interesting to see how Elton Brand views Micic, a player originally drafted by Sam Hinkie.
Nevertheless, Micic would be a great addition to the Sixers. He would join Shake Milton to form a potentially potent backup back court. Most importantly though, he’s cheap, young, and wouldn’t cost the team any draft picks.
