Bartzokas addresses Vezenkov's struggles in Kings, admits love for NBA / News - Basketnews.com

Sasha Vezenkov is navigating the challenges of his rookie NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, as his former coach, Georgios Bartzokas, admits the stark differences in approach and mentality between the two leagues.

Credit: AP - Scanpix, Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS Credit AP - Scanpix, Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS

Reigning EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov is having a hard time proving himself with the Sacramento Kings. His former coach Georgios Bartzokas tried to explain Vezenkov's struggles in the new environment, also admitting he is a big fan of the NBA basketball.

Aleksandr Vezenkov

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

"I think it's a completely different world. Personally, I like the NBA so much. I watch 2-3 games per night. Every night, I am watching NBA. I like it so much, but it's a completely different approach and mentality," Bartzokas noted after Olympiacos Piraeus' latest win in Kaunas. "Probably those guys -- Vasilije Micic, Sasha Vezenkov -- they need more than one year to adjust to this new environment."

Throughout his rookie NBA season, the 28-year-old Bulgarian is averaging 5.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 35 out of 59 games.

Currently sidelined due to a grade-3 right ankle sprain sustained in a practice session on February 10, Vezenkov is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks.

"It's not negotiatable if star players, who are getting huge money, will play less time. They have their playing time, they have the positions that they deserve, and everybody else is coming to prove their potential in a few minutes," Bartzokas continued.

"So, Sasha, who was playing 30-35 minutes for Olympiacos, now he has to prove his ability in a few minutes. It's not easy," the Greek specialist underlined. "But he's so smart, a hard worker. I really believe that he's going to be successful even in this new environment.

"About everybody else, every situation is different, and it also depends on the personality that everybody has."

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

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