Vezenkov: “I feel they don’t appreciate my value in the NBA – It’s difficult, we’ll see in the summer”

He feels undervalued at NBA The Sasha Vezenkovas stated in his interview with El Mundo Deportivo. The 28-year-old forward emphasized that it has been very difficult to find a role and time in the Kings, even though he thinks he deserves something better. In fact, his former ace Olympiakou leaves everything open for his future after the season ends.

At the same time, last year’s MVP Euroleague he spoke bitterly about his treatment in Barcelona, ​​citing 2-3 people who maliciously harmed him. Finally, he gives his predictions for the Euroleague singling out Fenerbahce for their form, but also praising Panathinaikos, Olympiakos, Monaco and Real.

In detail, the 28-year-old ace spoke about:

– the NBA experience: “Everything is different. Different game, different speed, different culture… That’s why you have to adapt quickly, you have to be ready every day. It is difficult, many games, many trips and you have to be ready physically and mentally.”

-what makes it more difficult for him to adapt: “It’s a different game, you learn the game in different ways. It’s faster here, the players are more talented, especially the top 6-7 in each team. You have to adapt to a whole new culture and philosophy.”

-how he feels about being named EuroLeague MVP and struggling to get playing time: “Unfortunately it’s hard and you have to learn. They don’t care, you have to go through the same process and if you adapt, you will have a chance. If not, it’s very difficult.”

-if he feels that they do not appreciate his value, as was the case with Misic: “Yes, 100%. I believe I can play, it’s a matter of opportunities. There are many teams not so good. But there are also good teams, like the Thunder who had two very good players in Misic’s place. Now he is acting, he has a role and he is doing very well. I don’t know if he can become a starter in the NBA, but he can play a lot of minutes and have a certain role on any team. He knows the game well, I haven’t played with him, but it’s nice to see him.”

-whether the transition to the NBA at 28 makes the adjustment more difficult: “Definitely yes. We in Europe learn the game in a different way, every possession counts. If you come younger, you can adapt more easily, in general and to life. If we get the chance we can be productive and we can help, but like I said it’s really difficult.”

– why he was late to the NBA: “I could have gone earlier, 100%. Two years before I was drafted (2017) I could have tried to go to the NBA, it would have been easier and then I didn’t play much in Barcelona. I left and then at Olympiakos for the last three years I was competing a lot and then the opportunity came again. It’s all about timing and I didn’t have the right timing then.”

-whether he would like me to continue in the NBA or return to Europe: “I can’t see that far. I’m a person who thinks about the next day and the next training session. I’m trying to overcome my injury, be productive for the team. The team is really good, fighting for the playoffs. My only thoughts are to finish the season strong and help the team in the last 14 games and then the playoffs we will see.”

-if he still believes he can succeed in the NBA: “If I can help from my role, yes. But like I said, right now I’m not thinking too far. I just want to be healthy and help my team.”

-whether he would like to play for Barcelona again if he returned to Europe: “I had difficult years in Barcelona. I believe I was not treated well, but not by management. I had a great relationship with Juan Carlos Navarro, from whom I learned a lot. I have friends in the organization. I never say no, but the time I was there was difficult for me and the team. I can’t predict the future, but I have friends I really respect.”

-if he feels he was not treated well at Barcelona: “Yes, 100%. I don’t feel irritated, life goes on. Two people in particular, maybe even three, didn’t give me the opportunities I should have when I was playing well. That was 5-6 years ago though. Barcelona is a big club, I have friends there and a lot of respect for Navarro. I learned a lot from him, he is a legend and we have a good relationship, we talk well when we see each other. I keep something inside, but not for the club. For people who are no longer there. I won’t say names, they know who they are. But I don’t care, because I got my way. Back then it was difficult, because there was treachery from behind. Now everything is fine, I got my way and I’m calm.”

– who will win the Euroleague and if Barcelona has any hopes: “The organization is unpredictable. Barcelona have chances, but they haven’t been playing very well lately. Fener is playing incredibly, Monaco also despite losing by a margin to Milan, Panathinaikos is there, Olympiacos too. Real have not been playing well lately, but they have a lot of talent. The Final 4 is tough, anyone can win in two games. Whoever is fitter at the end of the season will have a better chance, but Fenerbahçe are currently playing the best basketball in Europe and I give them an extra chance. But that can change in a month.”