The Toronto Raptors have been on a wild journey since their 2019 NBA championship. After losing out on Kawhi Leonard, the team went through a semi-rebuild.
While always remaining competitive, they didn’t scale the heights of yesteryears. Instead, GM Masai Ujiri had a clear plan to build out the roster around quality wings. However, that plan didn’t pan out, and the team remains mediocrity-bound.
A trade to acquire Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett has given the team a few young pieces to work with. Retooling the roster around Scottie Barnes by trading both OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam has given Toronto some leeway heading into their new rebuild.
Recently, Masai spoke about one uncertain addition going into next season: European superstar turned NBA pro Sasha Vezenkov.
What’s next for Sasha Vezenkov?
Coming in with nearly a decade’s experience in the EuroLeague, Sasha Vezenkov was a prize addition to the Sacramento Kings after their first run to the playoffs in 20 years.
However, his NBA career got off to an extremely slow start. Over 42 games, one of the most decorated players in the EuroLeague over the 2020s was reduced to just 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds.
Playing for Olympiacos the prior year, Vezenkov had a phenomenal season all around. Earning his first nod to the Green All-Star game, he was also spectacular in the game, earning All-Star Game MVP honors in the process. His average of 17.6 points for the year while adding 6.8 rebounds on 53.6% shooting was good enough to earn the Greek MVP award.
Earning an All-EuroLeague First-Team honor for the second consecutive year, Aleksandar led his team to their first Final Four in over a decade. Eventually, he was given the EuroLeague MVP honor as the Top Scorer for the EuroLeague Final Four and the Finals.
It is that pedigree that Masai is counting on as the next NBA season approaches. Acquired in a trade for Jalen McDaniels, the Raptors have yet to decide whether to keep Sasha. However, speaking during the Summer League broadcast, Ujiri gave an update on the situation.
“We’re still having that conversation. He had a tough time in the NBA last year. We are trying to figure it out, and what he wants to do. The right decision will be made. I think he’s a phenomenal player, had a tough season last season, those things happen, great shooter..Whatever happens, we’re going to make the best out of this situation. We support him in every way and we know where out team is going. Sp hopefully soon.”
Where does Sasha fit on the Raptors?
A 6-foot-9 power forward with decent mobility, Vezenkov fits Masai’s ideal mold. However, the soon-to-be 29-year-old’s NBA production remains suspect. For a relatively young team, the Raptors wouldn’t mind keeping Sasha on as a euro veteran.
Further, with trade partners lining up for names like Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl, and Kelly Olynyk, the team might eventually have a place for the Cyprus-born Aleksandar in the rotation.
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