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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