Toronto Raptors forward Sasha Vezenkov is still eyeing a EuroLeague move after being traded by the Sacramento Kings.
Originally, it seemed as if he simply wanted to part ways with the Kings. This was expected as Sacramento quickly became disenchanted with the Bulgarian. Yet, when he reportedly signed a five-year contract with Olympiacos, it became clear that he was willing to leave the NBA altogether.
There are two problems with that though. One, he’s still under contract with an NBA team, so he can’t play for Olympiacos. Secondly, the Raptors don’t want to let him go.
“We’re still having that conversation,” Raptors president Masai Ujiri says, per Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy. “(Vezenkov) had a tough time in the NBA last year. We are trying to figure it out, and what he wants to do. The right decision will be made…”
Ujiri cont: “I think he’s a phenomenal player, had a tough season last season, those things happen, great shooter.. Whatever happens, we’re going to make the best out of this situation. We support him in every way and we know where out team is going. Sp hopefully soon.”
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) July 14, 2024
“I think he’s a phenomenal player, had a tough season last season… Great shooter… Whatever happens, we’re going to make the best out of this situation. We support him in every way and we know where our team is going. So hopefully soon.”
Raptors’ Masai Ujiri Addresses Awkward Sasha Vezenkov Saga
Vezenkov averaged just 12.2 minutes per game last season, his playing time dwindling as the season wore on. As an accomplished, 28-year-old former EuroLeague player, this wouldn’t have sat well with Vezenkov. However, he’s far from the only European star to leave home and find that his game isn’t as appreciated in the United States.
Last year, Vasilije Micić averaged 12.0 minutes per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Like Vezenkov, Micić is a former EuroLeague MVP. Simone Fontecchio played 14.2 minutes per game with the Utah Jazz in his first NBA season (2023-24).
Yet, over time, those player’s situations improved. Micić averaged 27.2 minutes per game after being traded to the Charlotte Hornets last season. Similarly, Fontecchio averaged 30.3 minutes per game after the Jazz decided to send him to the Pistons. With that being said, despite Vezenkov having limited playing time while with the Kings, there’s reason to believe the Raptors will provide him with the experience he was looking for when he decided to leave the EuroLeague.
Will He Be Valued By Raptors?
Looking at his skillset provides even more credence to that idea. As a spot-up shooter, Vezenkov can play a particularly valuable role for the Raptors.
Though RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes have improved as catch-and-shoot threats, both are better and more comfortable when scoring off-the-dribble. Immanuel Quickley is reliable from beyond the arc, but he’s one of their primary playmakers because he’s the starting point guard. Gradey Dick shot 36.5 percent from 3-point range last season, but he’s only one man. Furthermore, Dick may hit the dreaded ‘sophomore wall,’ which is typically the result of opposing teams becoming more aware of their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies.
With the Raptors now moving on from free agent Gary Trent Jr., Dick may play in the second unit backcourt beside Davion Mitchell. However, if Toronto wants a wing with better foot speed and defensive upside, they may turn to Bruce Brown, 2022 No. 14 pick Ochai Agbaji, or 2024 No. 19 pick Ja’Kobe Walker.
In either scenario, that leaves an opportunity for Vezenkov at one of the forward spots.
If so, his steepest competition will come from Chris Boucher, a career 33.3 percent 3-point shooter. The long and lithe Boucher primarily impacts the game as a rebounder and shot-blocker, but his contributions are sporadic. As a stretch-four, Vezenkov would have a simpler role. However, if he’s consistent from 3, he can be more effective than Boucher is in his.
All Vezenkov has to do is be willing to bet on himself as much as Toronto’s willing to bet on him.
