Petrusev praises Dusko Ivanovic, recalls time with Zvezda and ill-fated NBA stint / News - Basketnews.com

Filip Petrusev reflected on his season with Crvena Zvezda, naming the factors that made it memorable. The Serbian forward also explained what went south for him in the NBA and compared Belgrade to Athens.

Credit: /IPA/SIPA - Scanpix Credit /IPA/SIPA - Scanpix

When Filip Petrusev was playing for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, he had the time of his life.

3-pointers this season

37%9,4Points made:9,4Accuracy:37,3%Place in standings:8Record max:15Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Isaiah CanaanTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"In Zvezda, I enjoyed it the most overall," he told Dragan Jakovljevic of Meridian sport.

"It's when you get the support of the fans, when you can't wait to play at home in a great atmosphere, when you play well...I don't think a basketball player can want more than that. In the NBA it is not the same feeling, because our fans create the atmosphere for which you started playing and for which you do everything," Petrusev said.

The Serbian international recalled that the 2022-23 seasondidn't start well for him.

"I didn't have much of a chance with coach Vlado Jovanovic, even though he moved me to the '4' position. Later came Dusko [Ivanovic], who used me both outside and inside. He opened the door and gave me a chance that I took, which of course he didn't have to. I'm very grateful to him. I've made progress from game to game. I even played 30 minutes. I played at both '4' and '5', which suits me best," he continued.

Petrusev got his confidence back.

"When that happens, you're twice as good a player," he stressed. "We had a formidable team – [Luca] Vildoza, [Facu] Campazzo, [Ognjen] Dobric, [Luka] Mitrovic, [Stefan] Markovic -- it was a dream team. I felt a chemistry that was comparable only to the national team," he said.

Petrusev was selected with the 50th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2021 NBA Draft. On October 29, 2023, he made not only his NBA debut, but also played in what became his only game with the 76ers, grabbing only one rebound in two minutes and 41 seconds of action that resulted in a 126–98 blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Olympiacos Piraeus / Schedule

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In November 2023, the Los Angeles Clippers acquired Petrusev, James Harden, and P.J. Tucker from the 76ers in exchange for Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, Kenyon Martin Jr. and Robert Covington. The Clippers then traded him to the Sacramento Kings for the draft rights of Luka Mitrovic. On 24 November, Petrusev was waived by the Kings.

"I think it's all about timing, because the NBA is looking for younger players who can develop and bring them to the highest level. Unfortunately, my contract was not guaranteed. When Harden decided to leave, then the trades began. And when you have such a bad contract, it's easier for them to send you away.

It was difficult because the best player from that year is playing in your position. It is especially difficult when you change clubs in the middle of the season and you are new to the league. After the trade, the Philadelphia coaches called and said they didn't expect me to leave the club.

In the NBA, you have to be lucky, there are many factors. After a few weeks in Sacrametno I called my agent [Misko Raznatovic] and I just said, 'Please, I am aware that I have to develop, play and progress. This is why I want to return to Europe'".

Petrusev joined Olympiacos Piraeus on 28 November 2023. His team has made a third straight EuroLeague playoff run, in addition to having won two domestic titles (Cup and SuperCup).

"I'm really pleased. I can't say a bad word about Athens," the 24-year-old big man admitted.

"It looks a bit like Belgrade, but when you have the beach and the sun, you instantly get more positive. It's great to play in Athens."

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