The Philadelphia 76ers might have help coming to their roster next season in the form of a “Draft-and-Stash” European player.
It appears that another one of former general manager (GM) Sam Hinkie’s draft decisions may come to help the Philadelphia 76ers despite the former GM long gone from the team. Reported by Donatas Urbonas of 15min.It, Vasilije Micic is trying to decide between playing with Turkish team Anadolu Efes, or to come to the NBA next year.
As Urbonas pointed in the tweet linked above, Philly isn’t the only team interested in Micic but the Sixers have nothing to fear as they still own his rights from when they selected him with the 52nd pick of the 2014 NBA. Basketball-Reference also confirmed Urbonas’ statement about Philly still owning Micic’s rights.
It should be pointed out that it was the same draft that the 76ers came away with Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Jerami Grant, and even K.J. McDaniels. The 2014 NBA Draft appears to be looking better than before now that Micic is considering coming to the NBA.
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Assuming that Micic joins Philly next season, he could fill the major void at the backup point guard position, as I wrote about in the past. The 26-year-old point guard has averaged 14.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 steals, while converting 46.9 percent from the field and 40.0 percent of his 3-pointers with Efes this past year.
Micic would be a major upgrade over Raul Neto who has proven to be at best a third-string point guard for this Sixers team. While choosing a point guard in the upcoming draft is an option, if a playmaker who has a lot of international is available like Micic, then there won’t be as strong of a need to draft one.
Micic could come in and contribute right away thanks to his experience playing overseas. However, the 6-foot-5 guard hasn’t made a decision yet but has talked to Shane Larkin about playing in the NBA, according to Urbonas. Urbonas tweeted a transcript of what Micic said about his conversation with Larkin, who last played in the NBA in the 2017-18 season.
Vasilije Micic had a conversation with Shane Larkin about the NBA and they share some common values. Micic on his NBA decision: pic.twitter.com/sfyNVFViNz
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) May 9, 2020
Only time will tell if Micic decides to come to the NBA, but his happiness seems to be the key to his decision. With playing time a gauge of his happiness, if GM Elton Brand wants to bring Micic over, he has to make sure the point guard gets a chance at playing time.
The Philadelphia 76ers would benefit if Micic joins their roster next season. Sadly, for now, the franchise and the fans will have to wait for his decision.