Sacramento Kings sign long-awaited Sasha Vezenkov
By Logan Struck
After a long journey with many rumors surrounding Sasha Vezenkov and the Sacramento Kings, the EuroLeague MVP has finally inked a deal. Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Vezenkov and Sacramento have agreed to a three-year deal worth $20 million.
The Bulgarian 6’9″ forward has an impressive skill set, making him a stretch four whose game will translate to the NBA. Last season for Olympiacos (Greece), Vezenkov averaged 17.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game on impressive 53/37/88 shooting splits.
Sasha Vezenkov – a 6-foot-9 reigning EuroLeague MVP – has agreed on a three-year, $20 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, his agents Mark Bartelstein and George Roussakis of @PrioritySports and Nick Lotsos of Team Lotsos tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zCVsT9gnWk
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
Sasha Vezenkov has an impressive shooting stroke, as he can stretch the floor along with the rest of the lineup. The lefty can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court but is most impressive off catch-and-shoots. Vezenkov will thrive in Sacramento’s fast-paced offense, where he will immediately improve the bench unit.
Kings head coach Mike Brown has had high praise for Vezenkov in the past (via The Sacramento Bee):
"“The way we play, he fits in really good. He shoots the three-ball. He’s got size. He’s got toughness. He rebounds. All those things are exciting with the way we play the game of basketball…I think he can be a really effective player in the NBA at a high level.”"
Last week, the Sacramento Kings reportedly offered a contract to the EuroLeague MVP. The reported deal was worth just under $8.4 million per year, so the three-year / $20 million deal hits the mark.
The Kings traded for Vezenkov’s draft rights in the 2022 off-season in exchange for a second-round pick. After Sacramento acquired his draft rights, Vezenkov went on to have an outstanding EuroLeague season, where he won MVP and came just short of a championship. Sacramento sees Vezenkov’s ability to play at the top of the EuroLeague, as many players before him have shown the possibility of elite play translating from the EuroLeague to the NBA.
While the most fascinating aspect of his game comes from beyond the arc, Sasha Vezenkov can score from all three levels. Shooting 65% inside the arc last season, Vezenkov proved he does it all on offense.
How will Vezenkov’s signing impact the Sacramento Kings?
While Kings fans have been waiting for the news to be official, everyone figured Sasha Vezenkov was already packing his bags for Sacramento. The forward will fit right into the bench unit, playing alongside the newly re-signed Trey Lyles in the backup frontcourt. His off-ball movements, high IQ, and impressive shooting stroke make him the perfect player for Sacramento.
This signing likely means Trey Lyles will play backup center, and with the trade that sent Chris Duarte to Sacramento, the bench unit will be Davion Mitchell, Malik Monk, Chris Duarte, Sasha Vezenkov, and Trey Lyles. While the Kings have brought back all five starters from last season and upgraded the bench, they are poised for another historic season.
