Kings assistant Jay Triano visits Sasha Vezenkov in Crete, notes his strengths / News - Basketnews.com

Jay Triano says Sasha Vezenkov is a savvy basketball player and sees him fitting very well in Sacramento.

Credit: EuroLeague Basketball via Getty Images, FIBA Credit EuroLeague Basketball via Getty Images, FIBA

Kings assistant coach Jay Triano is in Greece to watch the Greek Cup Final 8 and keep an eye on Olympiacos Piraeus star forward Sasha Vezenkov, whose NBA rights are owned by Sacramento.

Aleksandr Vezenkov

MIN:29.01PTS:18.39 (62.14%)REB:7.39As:1.78ST:1.04BL:0.26TO:1.17GM:23ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

"We have his rights in Sacramento, but I've never seen him play live. With the All-Star break in the NBA, it's an opportunity to come here and see him. I've heard how good he is," Triano told ERT.

The 27-year-old Vezenkov drew attention from the Kings past off-season but decided to stay in Europe for his fifth season with Olympiacos.

"We have his rights, but, of course, it will be up to our front office to decide [whether to bring him to the NBA]. And it's also up to Sasha. He is going to have options because he has put himself in a great position," Triano said.

After a breakout season in 2021-22 that saw him earn All-EuroLeague First Team honors, Vezenkov has taken his game to another level in this current EuroLeague campaign.

The Bulgarian NT member is the EuroLeague's second-leading scorer (18.4 ppg.), the best rebounder (7.4 rpg.) and he also has the highest average PIR (23.5).

"He is a very savvy basketball player, he knows when to pass and score. He has a little bit of everything in him. His basketball IQ is very high. It's exciting to be able to see him play live," the Canadian coach praised EuroLeague's MVP candidate.

Jay Triano also said that he is aware of Vezenkov's extension with the Reds, which the player signed in early 2023. The forward had previously penned a deal to stay in Piraeus until 2024, but his new contract runs through 2025.

The deal grants Vezenkov a bigger salary. In return, Olympiacos will receive a larger buyout if the star player leaves for the NBA.

"I heard that [about extension]," Triano pointed out. "That's why it will be up to the front office and Sasha to decide what's best for him."

Vezenkov had his regular game with the Kings' assistant in attendance on Friday afternoon. He posted a game-high 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 20 PIR to inspire Olympiacos to a crushing 82-51 win over Aris in the Greek Cup quarterfinals.

"I can see him fitting very well in our team," Triano told SDNA post-game when asked if Vezenkov can find his role on the Kings' roster. "I had the chance to see him play live and he really did a great job on the court."

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