Tag: Sasha Vezenkov

After missing two months due to a sprained ankle, Sasha Vezenkov returned on Sunday and helped the Sacramento Kings to a 127-106 victory at home over the Utah Jazz.

Vezenkov missed seven games after sustaining the injury on Jan. 22 in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. He played in two games before reinjuring the ankle in practice on Feb. 10 and was just cleared to face the Jazz.

The former EuroLeague MVP recorded five points, two rebounds, two steals and one assist in 10 minutes off the bench for the Kings, who also had Trey Lyles (knee) back after a nine-game absence. He had 11 points and four rebounds.

Kings coach Mike Brown explained what they provide the team.

(Their) size just helps, especially on the glass. You got both of those guys — whether they come up with it or not — battling for it and hitting bodies. (They’re) guys that are used to taking big shots. They both are really, really good 3-point shooters, so you have to guard them outside of that line, which opens up the floor a little bit more for everybody else. Defensively, they’re just going to play their behinds off. They’re going to try to play the right way and play very, very hard. To have that added veteran depth is big for us at this point of the season.

Vezenkov is averaging 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds on 38.6% shooting from 3-point range in 36 appearances this season with the Kings. He ranks third among rookies in 3-point percentage and has scored in double figures seven times.

The 28-year-old figures to give the Kings a boost in the lineup and another body over the last eight games of the season and into the playoffs. They recently lost Malik Monk for 4-6 weeks due to a knee injury and will have to rely further on their depth.

Vezenkov has been a tremendous floor spacer for the Kings this season, given his quick release and pinpoint accuracy. He figures to bolster the Kings’ offense when he is on the court.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261570]

Sasha Vezenkov hasn’t played with the Sacramento Kings since before the All-Star break due to a sprained right ankle, but the 28-year-old believes he is progressing in his recovery.

Vezenkov missed seven games earlier this season after sustaining the injury on Jan. 22 in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. He returned to play in a pair of games before reinjuring the ankle in practice on Feb. 10 in Oklahoma City.

The former EuroLeague MVP said Thursday that he doesn’t have a timetable to return and is just working to get back to full strength before returning to the court.

I’m feeling better, getting to the right direction. I’m trying every day hard. Unfortunately, it is a second injury to the same leg (and has) been like 15 days. I’m trying. It is the first time in my career I’m out so long, so it is stressful. I want to help the team, but I’m trying to be 100% to be ready to help the team.

Vezenkov is averaging 5.6 points and 2.5 rebounds on 38% shooting from 3-point range in 35 appearances this season with the Kings. He ranks third among rookies in 3-point percentage and has scored in double figures seven times.

He signed a three-year, $20 million contract with the Kings last summer after spending five years with Olympiacos in Greece. He was named the MVP last season after averaging 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 38.3% shooting from 3-point range.

Vezenkov has been a tremendous floor spacer for the Kings this season, given his quick release and pinpoint accuracy. He figures to bolster the Kings’ offense once he returns.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261570]

Sacramento Kings rookie Sasha Vezenkov will reportedly miss some time due to a sprained right ankle, according to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.

Vezenkov recently missed seven games due to the injury originally sustained on Jan. 22 in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. He returned last week and played in a pair of games but reinjured the same ankle in practice on Saturday and sat out on Sunday against Oklahoma City.

The former EuroLeague MVP said at shootaround on Friday that the ankle wasn’t 100%, though it was improving. The team hasn’t set a timetable for his return, but he is expected to be sidelined for at least a few weeks, according to the report.

Source: Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov out ‘at least a few weeks’ due to latest injury ⬇️https://t.co/CHCiZonw08

— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) February 11, 2024

Vezenkov is averaging 5.6 points and 2.5 rebounds on 38% shooting from 3-point range in 35 appearances this season with the Kings. He ranks ninth among rookies in 3-point percentage and has scored in double figures seven times.

The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $20 million contract with the Kings last summer after spending five years with Olympiacos in Greece. He was named the MVP last season after averaging 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 38.3% shooting from 3-point range.

Vezenkov, who was born in Cyprus, also holds citizenship with Bulgaria and has represented the country in international events, most recently in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers last July.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261570]

Sasha Vezenkov is in his first season in the NBA after spending the past five years with Olympiacos in Greece, and the former EuroLeague MVP looks to be settling in with the Sacramento Kings.

On a night the Kings’ De’Aaron Fox returned after a five-game absence, the team received a strong effort from Vezenkov off the bench. He produced 11 points and two rebounds in 17 minutes in a 132-120 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Vezenkov scored eight points in the first quarter and connected on three of his five 3-point attempts in the game. He once again provided great floor spacing for the team and forced the Cavaliers to stay on him through his time on the court.

Kings coach Mike Brown was pleased with the effort.

Sasha has a great feel for the game of basketball on both ends. He hit a couple of big shots tonight. He should have hit his third and fourth one, (but) it kind of went in and bounced out. To have a guy like that on the floor, it gives everybody else a lot of room.

It makes teams have to think twice about rotating to somebody else so guys can get wide-open shots when they’re on the floor just because of his presence. On top of that, he does a lot of little things. … The more he plays, it seems like the better he has gotten for us.

Vezenkov is averaging 6.3 points and two rebounds on 36.7% shooting from 3-point range in eight appearances. He has been a key player in the second unit for Brown and has also provided size and rebounding with that group.

VEZZY LIGHTS THE BEAM! 🔦🟣 pic.twitter.com/Y3OfZJoy1l

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) November 14, 2023

The on-court transition to the NBA for Vezenkov appears to be going mostly well in the early going. Brown has stated in the past that mastering the defensive side of the ball will be key to him playing a large role, and he is making strides in that area each night.

He still looks to be settling in with the off-court move from Europe to the United States, but his teammates can see him beginning to adjust to that challenge, as well.

“I think he is having more fun,” said Fox, who finished with 28 points. “I feel like coming over, obviously, not knowing anybody, and I think he came by himself right now. It is a different transition, and I feel like it is a difficult transition that, probably, most of us have never had to do.

“It is different from moving state to state; it isn’t the same as moving across the ocean. I feel like he is starting to enjoy himself. Obviously, he is making shots, and I feel like that kind of takes a weight off your back, and you can see it. He is having joy playing basketball right now.”

Vezenkov signed a three-year contract with the Kings this offseason after spending the last five years in Greece. He was named the MVP last season after averaging 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 38.3% shooting from 3-point range.

The 28-year-old will have growing pains with the transition to the NBA, but he should be in store to have a productive year if he can continue to improve each game.

“It is a different game, different rules and a different mentality,” Vezenkov said at shootaround on Monday. “But I think I can handle the team, and that’s why I’m here. I will continue working, do my thing and, hopefully, we’ll continue winning.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261570]

Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown wasn’t too sure if former EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov would be a part of the rotation entering the season.

But through three games, Vezenkov is contributing at a high level.

Vezenkov continued that display on Sunday, recording a season-high 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block in a 132-127 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He shot 4-of-10 from the field, including two 3-pointers in 18 minutes off the bench.

The 28-year-old had five points in the first quarter as the Kings raced to a 41-28 lead. He hit timely shots throughout the game and also had a couple of key defensive possessions.

That area, Brown said, is going to be key for Vezenkov.

The reality of it is, what is going to happen, when he is on the floor, a lot of teams are just going to call him up into pick and rolls. He has got to be able to sit down and guard if he switches, or he has got to be able to play the coverage we’re in. If he can do that, he is going to have a chance to be on the floor a lot because he has got a good feel for the game. He does a lot of little things out on the floor and, I’ll tell you what, when he gets his rhythm from that 3-point line, look out because he can flat-out shoot it.

Vezenkov signed a three-year contract with the Kings after playing the past five years with Olympiacos in Greece. He was named the MVP last season after averaging 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 38.3% shooting from 3-point range.

So far this season, Vezenkov is averaging 9.7 points and 2.3 rebounds on 40% shooting from 3-point range. He has given the Kings a floor-spacing option and a rebounding presence off the bench, which Brown has loved.

The Kings like the offensive versatility Vezenkov brings. Brown previously commended him for his willingness to shoot because it will help the team space the floor. The lefty hasn’t hesitated to let it go and should continue to be a shooting threat this year.

Vezenkov will have growing pains with the transition to the NBA, but he continues to learn and should have a productive year if he can improve each game.

“Of course, it is a different pace and a different game,” Vezenkov said. “You have to adjust first mentally. There will be games where they’re more bad than the others, but I am here working every day trying to learn from everybody. Every advice from every player, coach is very useful, and I’m trying to adapt as fast as possible.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261570]

Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown said Tuesday that he isn’t sure if Sasha Vezenkov will be a part of the rotation when the team opens the regular season on Oct. 25.

Vezenkov, 28, signed a three-year contract with the Kings after playing the past five years with Olympiacos in Greece. He was named the MVP of the EuroLeague last season after averaging 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 38.3% shooting from 3-point range.

The Kings like the offensive versatility Vezenkov brings. Brown previously commended him for his willingness to shoot as it will help the team space the floor. However, with several players ahead of him, Brown was non-committal about him being in the rotation.

“I don’t know if he will be or not,” Brown said on Tuesday, via James Ham of ESPN 1320. “He has got to keep fighting his behind off and getting better every opportunity he gets, whether that is in practice or shootaround or in the game.”

Mike Brown on the Sasha Vezenkov situation. He was non-committal on whether Vezenkov will be in the rotation when the season begins. pic.twitter.com/inuJdzWPIV

— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) October 10, 2023

Vezenkov debuted on Sunday when the Kings opened the preseason against the Toronto Raptors. He produced 12 points, two rebounds and one assist in 11 minutes in the 112-99 loss. He shot 4-of-7 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range.

He came off the bench with the third unit in that contest and only played in the second half. While he is an offensive threat, Brown said he still needs work on defense. The team will continue to evaluate its rotations so Vezenkov could play at some point.

“He played well for us offensively against Toronto,” Brown said. “He is getting better. We’re just taking a look at different combinations. We may throw Sasha in with the second five. … Sasha showed some of his versatility on the offensive end for us that people will expect to see this year.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261570]

Sasha Vezenkov may be entering his first season in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, but the former EuroLeague MVP will not be subjected to traditional rookie duties, according to De’Aaron Fox.

Vezenkov, 28, signed a three-year contract with the Kings after playing the past five years with Olympiacos in Greece. He also earned the EuroLeague top scorer trophy after averaging 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 38.3% shooting from 3-point range last season. 

He began playing professional basketball at 16 years old with Aris Thessaloniki. He spent three seasons with Barcelona before joining Olympiacos in 2018. That experience is a central reason the Kings don’t view him as a traditional rookie.

“I said, ‘Bro, he is 28,”‘ Fox said, via James Ham of ESPN 1320. “He has been playing professional ball for like 10 years already. He is a rookie in the NBA but he is not a rookie (as far as) professionals. He doesn’t get rookie duties.”

De’Aaron Fox from day 2 of training camp. Sasha Vezenkov will not have rookie duties this season according to Fox. pic.twitter.com/zCjIClqi3F

— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) October 4, 2023

Vezenkov was born in Cyprus to Bulgarian parents and holds citizenship for each country along with Greece. He has represented Bulgaria in the past in international events, most recently in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers in July. 

He will provide the Kings with additional offense in the frontcourt as a three-level scorer. The lefty has established himself as a tremendous floor-spacer with his quick release and ability to shoot on the move.

That ability is precisely what Mike Brown wants to see from him.

One thing that I did like (on the first day of training camp) is he didn’t hesitate. We don’t want him hesitating at all. If he feels like he is open at any time: Let that thing fly. … As good as a shooter as he is, him spreading to the corner is going to flatten the defense. You got a guy like Fox, Davion and Malik (who can) bring the basketball up with their ability to get downhill and touch that paint, it’s going to open up a lot of things just with his presence on the floor.

The addition of Vezenkov figures to be a good fit with the Kings.

He can play with pace, as the team wants to do, and help space the floor for the Kings’ highly-potent offense. He may technically be a rookie this year but he’ll likely play as anything but a first-year player.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261570]

EuroLeague Most Valuable Player Sasha Vezenkov, who played the last five seasons with Olympiacos in Greece, signed with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, the team announced.

The team did not disclose the terms of the contract but Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported on July 1 that it would be a three-year, $20 million pact. The first two years of the deal are guaranteed with a team option in the final year.

Vezenkov, 27, averaged 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 38.3% shooting from 3-point range in 70 games across EuroLeague and Greek League competition. He also received the EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy and was selected to the All-EuroLeague first team.

Welcome to Sacramento, Sasha Vezenkov! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/4OjC3s253w

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 19, 2023

Vezenkov was born in Cyprus to Bulgarian parents and holds citizenship for each country along with Greece. He has presented Bulgaria in the past in international events, most recently in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers last July. 

He will provide the Kings with additional offense in the frontcourt as a three-level scorer. The lefty has established himself as a tremendous floor-spacer with his quick release and ability to shoot on the move. He projects to be a good fit within their highly potent offense.

The 6-foot-9 forward was the 57th pick in 2017 by the Brooklyn Nets. The Kings then acquired his rights from the Cleveland Cavaliers last year on draft night.

He currently has the 10th-best odds of winning Rookie of the Year.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261570]