Vasilije Micic Quietly Establishing Rotation Spot

Vasilije Micic needed a lot of persuasion to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Given that Micic was a Euro League MVP and was enjoying great success abroad, it makes sense. As compensation, he received a competitive deal in Oklahoma City and the chance to gain playing time.

Prior to Micic’s arrival, the primary issues at his camp appeared to be

assurances of financial gain and playing time. Though the playing time certainly

wasn’t exactly what he had in mind to begin the season, he did get his money

this offseason. Given the Thunder’s glut of guard potential and Micic’s need to get

used to NBA speed, there’s definitely a reason for it. He talked about how

exhausting the NBA seasons were and how many games there would be

arduous for someone who isn’t accustomed to the grind.

But Micic finally appears to be getting his act together, and his playing time is starting to show it. Micic is beginning to establish himself as the Thunder’s primary distributor off the bench after playing for about 15 minutes in each of the previous three games. Although he has scored two points in each of his appearances, sharing the rock is what really makes him valuable. He has racked up 10 assists and just one turnover in the previous three games. This season, he has only made 13 appearances, so making three in a row looks significant. In an ideal scenario, Micic could be a knockdown shooter to help SGA spread the floor or another playmaker who comes off the bench to start the offense while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is down.Though he hasn’t shot poorly yet, his career shooting stats are too impressive to believe he won’t improve.

With the squad playing 17 games in all, including five back-to-backs, Mark Daigneault will undoubtedly have plenty of playing time to spare in December. Micic will keep getting playing time, and if he puts in significant minutes, he might secure a role in the rotation going forward. It would be very beneficial for this young Thunder team to have Micic in the playoffs and to have faith in him to play significant minutes.