In a recent appearance on the Triple Threat podcast, Sasha Vezenkov opened up about his brief stint in the NBA and why he ultimately decided to return to the EuroLeague. Vezenkov, who played for the Sacramento Kings, shared his frustrations and insights about his time in the league.
Vezenkov, who was 28 years old at the time of his NBA debut, expressed his dissatisfaction with the NBA’s approach to rookies.
“What bothered me about the NBA is that they’d say, ‘You have time; you’re a rookie.’ But at the same time, I was 28 or 29 and felt like I didn’t have time. Everything starts from the beginning. They don’t care who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve played. You’re a rookie, even at 29, and you start from scratch,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges Vezenkov faced was the limited practice opportunities.
“Your practice chances are limited, and you have to prove yourself every single time. That was tough for me,” he added.
This lack of consistent practice time made it difficult for him to adjust and perform at his best. Vezenkov also felt that the NBA didn’t fully understand or respect the EuroLeague.
“They don’t care. You’re just another guy until you prove otherwise,” he said.
This lack of recognition for his experience and achievements in Europe added to his frustration. Despite the challenges, Vezenkov acknowledged that his time in the NBA was a valuable experience.
“I’m happy because, like, I did it. I owed it to myself to try against the best because it’s totally different from watching it from the TV,” he said.
However, he ultimately decided to return to the EuroLeague, where he felt more appreciated and understood.
Vezenkov’s honest reflections on his NBA experience shed light on the difficulties faced by players transitioning from international leagues to the NBA. His decision to return to the EuroLeague highlights the importance of feeling valued and respected in one’s professional environment.
