Tristan Vukcevic: 'I didn't like it in Partizan, I had a very bad time' / News - Basketnews.com

Vukcevic said Partizan was to blame for his departure to the NBA.

Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

Tristan Vukcevic surprisingly left Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the middle of the season to go play for the Washington Wizards in the NBA. He has now explained why.

Tristan Vukcevic

MIN:14.57PTS:7.33 (49.28%)REB:3.89As:1.33ST:0.44BL:0.67TO:0.78GM:9ProfileNBA2023/2024

Vukcevic has already seen a steady improvement in minutes on the court. He's played for more than 20 minutes throughout the last four games for the Wizards, averaging 14.3 points and 6.5 rebounds during that span.

"Yes, I like it much more. It's faster, I'm playing freely," he told Toni Canyameras from Mundo Deportivo about the differences of playing style between Europe and the NBA. "It's more doing what you can do well, less plays, and more playing with talent."

Vukcevic admits - he left Europe because of the experience he had with Partizan. Despite a significant buyout, the big man decided it was better for his career to leave the Serbian team.

"I wanted to do it. It was my decision because I didn't like it in Partizan, I had a very bad time for two years," Vukcevic declared. "And when that opportunity came, I said: 'I don't care. I'm going to pay for it, and that's it.'"

"Well, a lot of things happened, I don't want to get into too much detail. But I didn't play much, and when I played, I didn't feel comfortable on the court," he said.

Although he clearly stated Partizan played the biggest part in his leaving Europe, Vukcevic says he's grateful to head coach Zeljko Obradovic.

"Yes, he helped me a lot, and I always speak well of him. I was 18 when he picked me up and seeing basketball elsewhere has really helped me a lot, I can say," Vukcevic said.

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