Tag: Tristan Vukcevic

Wizards’ Tristan Vukcevic credits teammates for helping with transition to NBA

Tristan Vukcevic joined the Wizards this month and the 21-year-old is getting a crash course in playing in the NBA.

Tristan Vukcevic joined the Washington Wizards this month after starting the season in Serbia, and the 21-year-old is getting a crash course in playing in the NBA.

Vukcevic was selected with the 42nd pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Wizards after emerging as one of the top international prospects. The team signed him on March 14 after agreeing to a seven-figure contract buyout with Partizan and Real Madrid, his first professional club.

The 7-footer debuted with the Wizards on Saturday, logging three minutes in a win over Toronto. He registered his first career points on Monday in a 107-105 win against Chicago, knocking down two 3-pointers and hauling in three rebounds in nine minutes.

“He hit a couple of 3s (and) had good protection at the rim,” Wizards interim coach Brian Keefe said. “(We are) thrilled to have him in our program. He has a high basketball IQ, and we’re excited he is here with us.”

Vukcevic averaged 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds on 43.2% shooting from 3-point range in 30 games this season with Partizan. He has spent the past two-plus seasons with the team and helped it claim the ABA League championship last year.

He played with the Wizards in the NBA Summer League before returning to Partizan. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and one steal in four appearances in Las Vegas. He scored in double figures twice, including a summer league-high 15 points on July 15.

Vukcevic will  begin the transition by joining the team for the last month of the season. The game in the United States is much different than in Europe and will take some time to learn.

“It is a different game,” Vukcevic said on Saturday. “It is more fast-paced, less plays. I think in Europe, it is more textbook basketball and it is just something I have to learn. It is a learning process: Speed, pace and everything.”

Vukcevic is viewed as a highly skilled big man and is touted for his ability as a scorer and shooter, with his smooth stroke and ability to work in the post. He impressed at the combine last year and drew interest from several teams drafting in the second round.

With 10 games left to play and the Wizards out of postseason contention, Vukcevic projects to have the opportunity to log extended minutes. He will be leaning on his teammates for help.

“They’re just helping me transition to the NBA and teaching me what to do and what not to do, like my positioning because it is very different,” Vukcevic said. “(Anthony) Gill is doing a good job of telling me where to be at and what to do because he was in Europe and knew how the transition is. I’m very glad that he is helping me.”

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Report: Wizards to sign second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic to 2-year contract

Vukcevic averaged 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds on 43.2% shooting from 3-point range in 30 games with Partizan this season.

Tristan Vukcevic, a 7-foot center with Partizan in Serbia, will reportedly sign a two-year contract with the Washington Wizards, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Vukcevic was drafted with the 42nd pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Wizards. He played with the team in the NBA Summer League, averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, one steal and one block in four appearances.

The 21-year-old returned to play with Partizan as a draft-and-stash prospect this year. The Wizards and Partizan agreed to a seven-figure contract buyout this week, clearing the way for Vukcevic to make the jump to the NBA for the remainder of the season.

Vukcevic averaged 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds on 43.2% shooting from 3-point range in 30 games with Partizan. He has spent the past two-plus seasons with the team and helped it claim the ABA League championship last year.

He is viewed as a highly skilled big man and is touted for his ability as a scorer and shooter, with his smooth stroke and ability to work in the post. He impressed at the combine last year and drew interest from several teams drafting in the second round.

Vukcevic will now have the opportunity to get a head start on next year by joining the Wizards for the last month of the season. He will likely once again play with the team in summer league and should have the chance to compete for a rotation spot next year.

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Wizards draftee Tristan Vukcevic could stay with Partizan next season

Wizards second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic could reportedly stay with Partizan for the 2023-24 season.

Washington Wizards second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic could reportedly stay with Partizan for the 2023-24 season, according to Christos Tsaltas of Sportal.

Vukcevic was the 42nd pick in the NBA draft after averaging 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range last season with Partizan in Serbia. He also spent time with Real Madrid in the ACB League in Spain.

A report surfaced last month that stated Vukcevic could be loaned out to Peristeri in Greece next season if he didn’t sign a contract with the Wizards. However, it appears Vukcevic might stay with Partizan after all.

Vukcevic played with the Wizards in the NBA Summer League, averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, one steal and one block in four games. He scored in double figures twice, including a summer league-high 15 points on July 15.

The 7-footer previously expressed interest in playing in the NBA next season and was hopeful to sign with the Wizards. He was likely the victim of a roster crunch. The Wizards have 16 players signed to guaranteed contracts so additional moves would need to be made by the team.

Vukcevic and the Wizards will likely revisit the idea of him joining the team next year after another season overseas. It will give him the opportunity to continue to develop to be ready to contribute at the NBA level.

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5 players remain unsigned from the 2023 NBA draft class

Of the 58 prospects selected in the NBA draft, five remain unsigned.

The bulk of the offseason transactions across the NBA have been completed as teams and players reached terms on contracts and extensions when free agency opened last month.

Of course, there are still some other moves to make as rosters are finalized ahead of training camp in early October. Teams can carry up to 21 players on rosters during the offseason, including three two-way contracts this year.

The 2023 NBA draft class is mostly signed as well. Of the 58 prospects drafted on June 22, five remain unsigned after the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a pact with Jordan Miller, the 48th pick, on Monday. The five remaining unsigned players were selected in the second round.

Rookie Wire took a look at each player and their contract status.

Wizards draftee Tristan Vukcevic could be stashed in Greece next season

Vukcevic could play on loan in Greece next season if he isn’t signed by the Wizards.

Washington Wizards second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic had a productive run in the NBA Summer League and made a strong case to sign with the team this year.

Vukcevic, who was born in Italy, averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, one steal and one block on 38.5% shooting from the field in four games. He scored in double figures twice, including a summer league-high 15 points on July 15.

The 7-footer was the 42nd pick in the NBA draft after averaging 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range last season with KK Partizan in Serbia. He also previously spent time with Real Madrid in the ACB League in Spain.

He could once again play in Europe for the 2023-24 season.

Vukcevic has expressed interest in playing in the NBA next season and is hopeful to sign with the Wizards. However, if the team opts to stash him overseas, the 20-year-old could be loaned out to play with Peristeri in Greece, according to Sotiris Betakis of SDNA.

The pathway to sign with the Wizards is a bit murky, though.

The Wizards have 16 players signed to guaranteed contracts for next season and two players on two-way contracts. Teams can only have 15 players signed to the roster, plus three two-way contracts, but may carry up to 20 during the offseason.

Certainly, the team still has other moves to make this offseason and will likely come to a decision regarding Vukcevic soon. He has impressed in the early going and projects to be a player that can help the Wizards either now or in the future.

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Projected second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic to remain in NBA draft

Vukcevic is viewed as one of the most skilled big men in the draft this year.

Tristan Vukcevic, a 7-foot center who last played with KK Partizan in Serbia, will keep his name in the 2023 NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Vukcevic has had a strong showing throughout the pre-draft process and is considered a second-round pick. He produced 21 points during his lone scrimmage game at the combine last month and also registered the seventh-fastest shuttle run (3.16 seconds).

The 20-year-old has reportedly expressed interest in leaving Europe and playing next season in the NBA. He will need to negotiate a contract buyout with his current club in order to facilitate such a move.

Prospects have until 5 p.m. EDT to withdraw from the draft.

Vukcevic, who was born in Italy, averaged 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range in 40 games this past season across EuroLeague and Adriatic League competition. He also previously spent time with Real Madrid in the ACB league in Spain.

The 7-footer is viewed as one of the most skilled big men in the draft this year. He is highly touted for his ability as a scorer and shooter with his smooth stroke and ability to work in the post, traits that will certainly be enticing to teams drafting in the second round.

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2023 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: 58 projections after the early entry withdrawal deadline

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline.

The NBA pre-draft process crossed another important checkpoint on the schedule with the early entry withdrawal deadline coming and going this week.

Prospects had the opportunity to test the waters and meet with teams to gain feedback on their potential draft stock. To maintain their remaining college eligibility, they had to withdraw from consideration by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

The deadline saw several potential second-round picks withdraw from the draft and return to school. With name, image and likeness playing a prevalent role in college basketball, players were likely swayed to stay one more year to work on their games and capitalize financially.

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The 2024 draft is also projected to be weaker than in past years, which also may have played a role in some players opting against turning pro. They likely believe they will have a greater chance of being a first-round pick next year.

With several players off the board, teams can prioritize workouts and interviews with those individuals remaining in the draft. As a result, players’ stock will continue to fluctuate with less than three weeks to go until the draft.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline. Team needs were taken into consideration for these picks.

NBA draft combine: Olivier-Maxence Prosper among scrimmage standouts

Marquette junior Olivier-Maxence Prosper emerged as one of the standouts on the first day of 5-on-5 scrimmages at the draft combine.

Marquette junior Olivier-Maxence Prosper emerged as one of the standouts Wednesday on the first day of 5-on-5 scrimmages at the 2023 NBA draft combine in Chicago, Illinois.

The league announced last week that 78 players were expected to attend the festivities this year. In addition, eight more players were invited to compete after participating in the NBA G League Elite Camp over the weekend.

Of those prospects invited, many of them opted against playing in the scrimmages. It is often commonplace that the top prospects skip certain portions of the testing and competition and that was once again the case this year as only 44 players were a part of the scrimmages.

However, several prospects made a name for themselves.

With the first day of the scrimmages in the books, Rookie Wire took a look at those players that had some notable performances on the court and helped raise their draft stock.

Report: International prospect Tristan Vukcevic declares for NBA draft

Vukcevic is averaging 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds on 38% shooting from 3-point range in the EuroLeague and Adriatic League.

Tristan Vukcevic, a 7-foot center with KK Partizan in Serbia, has declared for the 2023 NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Vukcevic, who was born in Italy, is averaging 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds on 38% shooting from 3-point range in 38 games across EuroLeague and Adriatic League competition. He also previously spent time with Real Madrid in the ACB league in Spain.

The 20-year-old is highly touted for his ability as a scorer and shooter. He has shown that ability throughout the season, including a 25-point outburst on Jan. 2. He also can handle the ball and push the break while finding teammates on the move.

Vukcevic is considered a second-round pick this year given his offensive ability. Like several other international prospects, Vukcevic will likely arrive in the U.S. later in the pre-draft process with KK Partizan set to begin the playoffs next week.

The NBA draft will take place on June 22.

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2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Projections for every pick post-March Madness

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the NCAA Tournament.

The NBA pre-draft process is in full swing as prospects around the world prepare to transition to the next level.

Teams around the league will begin hosting private workouts in the coming weeks as they finalize their draft boards. There will be various pro days on the radar and, of course, the draft combine and G League Elite Camp next month in Chicago, Illinois.

Underclassmen have until April 23 to declare for the draft. Several notable players have already decided to return to school, including Kyle Filipowski, Harrison Ingram, Baylor Scheierman and Kel’el Ware. Others are still mulling over their decisions.

Related: Key dates for NBA draft, combine, lottery and deadlines

With players still in the process of making decisions, some prospects were excluded from this mock draft because they are projected to return to school next season. However, most players projected to be drafted have already announced their decisions.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the NCAA Tournament. It is important to note that team needs were not necessarily taken into account with each pick. The projections are rather a look at where each individual player stands at this point of the process.

Note: The order of the draft was pulled from Tankathon as of April 14. The draft will have only 58 picks this year because the Bulls and 76ers were stripped of their second-round picks by the NBA due to tampering violations.