When Vasilije Micic arrived at the Charlotte Hornets via trade in February, little did anyone know that he would emerge as one of the most productive players on the team today.
And because of his solid play, his counterparts have taken notice. After their game against the Phoenix Suns on Friday, Micic was praised by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant during the postgame press conference.
“He is a skilled player. He knows how to play guard,” Durant said. “Crafty, knows how to play the position. Smart. Taking advantage of his opportunities. I’m happy for him.”
“Played his a– off,” added Booker on Micic. “But we knew that coming into the game; he played really well last game, too. He was one of the guys that was top of the scouting report, and he still played well.”
Meanwhile, Vasilije Micic expressed his admiration for Kevin Durant, calling him an incredible player.
“Durant is such an amazing player and one of my favorites,” said Micić “One of the most talented I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Vasilije Micic’s long journey before getting his break with the Charlotte Hornets
The Philadelphia Sixers selected Vasilije Micic with the No. 52 pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft, but he never played a single game for them, as he plied his trade in the EuroLeague.
Micic was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in December 2020, but he didn’t play for them until the 2023 season in a limited role, averaging 3.3 points and 2.5 assists per game.
The 30-year-old Serbian playmaker was part of the Gordon Hayward trade pulled off by the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Charlotte Hornets last month. He made his Charlotte debut on February 10, having recorded 18 points and nine assists in a 115-106 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Since then, Micic has taken over the starting point guard role as LaMelo Ball continues to recover from his injuries. In March, he has been averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals on 52.2 percent shooting from the field.
The Charlotte Hornets have dropped their last three games and they will continue their East road trip against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.