Sasha Vezenkov reveals mistreatment at Barcelona, feels undervalued in NBA / News - Basketnews.com

Sasha Vezenkov on FC Barcelona stint: "I had difficult years in Barca. I think they did not treat me well."

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

Reigning EuroLeague MVPSasha Vezenkov is facing challenges proving himself with the Sacramento Kings.

Aleksandr Vezenkov

Team:Sacramento KingsPosition:PFAge:28Height:203 cmWeight:102 kgBirth place:Nicosia, Côte d'IvoireProfileNewsStatistics

Despite his accolades, the 28-year-old Bulgarian's rookie NBA season has been underwhelming. He has averaged 5.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in only 35 out of 70 games due to his recent injury — a grade-3 right ankle sprain incurred during practice on February 10.

But his playing time might not be greater upon his return, as teams are fighting for the playoffs and home-court advantage.

Vezenkov's time on the NBA court has been limited to 12.6 minutes per game, reminiscent of another former EuroLeague MVP, Vasilije Micic, who initially played 12.0 minutes per match with the Oklahoma City Thunder before seeing an increase to 26.6 following a trade to the Charlotte Hornets.

"It's difficult. It's also different, and you have to learn. They don't care [that you are an MVP]," Vezenkov told Toni Canyameras of Mundo Deportivo. "You have to prove yourself from the beginning. If you adapt quickly, you have a chance. If not, it's really hard."

Vezenkov then expressed a sense of being undervalued in the NBA.

"Yes, 100%," he highlighted. "I think we can play. It's all about having opportunities, although there are many guys whose teams are not good.

"Now, Micic has more playing time [with Charlotte], accepting his role, and doing it really well. I don't know if he can be a starter in this league, but he can play solid minutes and have a solid role on any team. He knows the game."

Micic made the leap to the NBA at 29, while Vezenkov followed suit at 28. Does entering the NBA in one's late 20s add complexity to the adaptation process?

Aleksandr Vezenkov

MIN:12.56PTS:5.6 (47.46%)REB:2.43As:0.4ST:0.46BL:0.2TO:0.31GM:35ProfileNBA2023/2024

"100%. Like I said, it's a different game," Vezenkov responded. "In Europe, we learn the game in a different way — every possession matters, and here, there are a lot of possessions, so it's a totally different game. If you come here earlier, you can adapt more easily to U.S. life, in general. If we are given the opportunity, we can be productive, we can help at any time, but as I said, it's really difficult.

"Everything is different [in the NBA]: a different game, a different speed, a different culture," the Bulgarian continued. "You have to adapt quickly and be ready every day. It's hard, a lot of games and a lot of traveling, but you need to be physically and mentally ready."

Vezenkov signed a three-year, $20 million deal with the Kings in the offseason, following an impressive EuroLeague campaign with Olympiacos Piraeus, where he averaged 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 21.5 PIR.

Despite his later success in Europe, Vezenkov's stint with FC Barcelona from 2015 to 2018 was marred by difficulties, as he revealed feeling mistreated during his time at the club.

"I had difficult years in Barcelona. I think they didn't treat me well, but not the people who are leading the organization," Vezenkov said. "I have a great relationship with Juan Carlos Navarro [club's GM], and I learned a lot from him. I have friends in the organization."

When asked about a potential return to Barcelona, Vezenkov remained open but honest about his past experiences.

"I never say no, but my time there was hard for the team and for me. I can't predict the future, but I have friends that I really respect."

Does he feel angry with someone?

"I don't feel upset, life goes on. Two, maybe three people didn't give me the right opportunities even when I played well. 100%, they didn't treat me right," Vezenkov repeated.

"I know that, and I can say that," he added. "But that happened five or six years ago, Barca is a great club, and I have friends there. I have a lot of respect for Navarro, he is a legend. We have good conversations when we see each other. As I said, I have something left, but not with the club, more with people who are no longer there."

Lastly, Vezenkov declined to name the individuals he believed mistreated him but affirmed his focus on moving forward.

"I'm not saying names, they know very well who they are, but I don't care because I made my way," he underlined. "Then it was hard because there was a purpose behind it, but everything is fine now."

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