NBL News 2024: Adelaide star Dejan Vasiljevic takes swipe at former NBA team Washington Wizards
With his revived NBL finals hopes going on the line, Adelaide star Dejan Vasiljevic has taken the opportunity to heap more pain on the NBA franchise already very much down in the dumps.
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As Dejan Vasiljevic prepares to keep Adelaide’s fairytale finals run alive against his former franchise, the Sydney Kings, the sharpshooter has taken a swipe at the Washington Wizards for prematurely ending his shot in the NBA.
Vasiljevic has found happiness at the 36ers, but he hasn’t forgotten about the Wizards waiving him two days before the start of training camp last October.
He claims he was told he’d go to training camp, play four pre-season games and then potentially fight for a two-way contract.
He had a choice to stay in America, however he opted to leave and return to the NBL where he joined Adelaide after Sydney released his rights.
The 36ers’ finals charge is at the forefront of Vasiljevic’s mind, but he couldn’t help but take a cheeky dig at the Wizards – who are languishing in second last position in the Eastern Conference with a woeful 9-37 record.
“Washington aren’t performing the way they need to – so I always say karma comes back to bite people on the butt,” Vasiljevic told this week’s Basketball Show.
“Obviously, things didn’t go the way I wanted when I was over there, but you realise the NBA is a business.”
Frustration aside, Vasiljevic hasn’t given up on his NBA dream.
He has an option in his contract to pursue the world’s best league, but his prime concern is Adelaide after this week penning a three-year contract extension.
“I do still have NBA ambition, but it’s not my No.1 priority,” he said.
“If I do get the chance in the right spot, I’ll go because I do have an NBA out, but right now I’ve signed this extension and I want to compete for a championship.”
Vasiljevic is loving life in Adelaide – and it’s showing on the court.
He has become a leader for a 36ers side that has won four consecutive games to put themselves within reach of a top six finish.
For all the positives, Vasiljevic wasn’t always complimentary of Adelaide.
He hit out at the 36ers’ franchise via Twitter while playing for the Kings, saying: “Terrible organisation. Wanna spend money on the wrong players and then cut the good ones.
“Just note that some local players on that roster make more than those who actually help their team to championships.”
Vasiljevic has since apologised to Adelaide officials for his tweets – which he insists were a viewpoint from the outside looking in.
“Everyone keeps their receipts – that’s why I deleted Twitter and I haven’t said anything negative about anyone ever since,” he said.
“They (Adelaide) weren’t winning as much as they wanted, and I’ve kind of brought that in.
“I take everything back what I said, because they’ve welcomed me with open arms.
“Honestly, it’s a great place to be. The lifestyle here, everything.
“I regret what I said, but again I said it based off what I was seeing from the outside.”
Adelaide sit in second last position, but Vasiljevic still believes the 36ers can qualify for the finals.
It’s a challenge that starts on Friday with a must-win matchup against the back-to-back champions.
As a former Kings player, Vasiljevic understands what makes the men in purple and gold tick.
“You’ve got to start with Jaylen Adams,” he said about Sydney’s star guard.
“He is the head of the snake, so if we can somehow contain him.
“I think Sunday Dech and Nick Marshall have been terrific for us on the defensive end.
“If we can stop Jaylen, it stops him from playmaking and getting downhill. “They’ve also got Denzel (Valentine) and I think Jordi (Hunter) and Glover (Angus) have started to play some great basketball.”
In an ideal world, Vasiljevic “wouldn’t mind” meeting Sydney in a play-in game, but he knows there is more work ahead to make this a reality.
The 36ers must win their final four games against the Kings (H), JackJumpers (A), Bullets (A) and Breakers (H) to put themselves in the mix for the top six.
Vasiljevic knows it won’t be easy, but he is feeling confident in his Adelaide teammates.
It’s why he re-signed with the 36ers, citing a feeling of being “wanted” as a decisive factor in signing the deal.
“I’ve never felt wanted before like I have in Adelaide,” he said.
“The fans love me, the coaches’ love and the front office has welcomed me with open arms.
“They are just letting me be me. When I was at the Sydney Kings everyone knew me as a shooter and I was needed in my role.
“Now here in Adelaide I’m wanted and everyone gets to see a bit of who I actually am as a scorer, playmaking, just being myself as a junior growing up.
“I’m happy to be here for another three years and hopefully compete for another championship.”
FRIDAY NIGHT NBL BLOCKBUSTER:
Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings at Adelaide Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm (AEDT)
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Originally published as NBL News 2024: Adelaide star Dejan Vasiljevic takes swipe at former NBA team Washington Wizards
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