Vasilije Micic is one of the best players in the world that isn't already in the NBA. The 28-year-old guard is coming off back-to-back Final Four Euroleague MVPs for Anadolu Efes in the Turkish league.
With most of the top free agents off the board, Micic is the last guy left who could immediately be an impact player for a contending team. He continues to "attract significant interest" and would like to play in the NBA next season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
So... what's the holdup?
MORE: The best players still available in free agency
Vasilije Micic landing spots: Which NBA teams could trade for Euroleague star?
Here's the main issue: Micic's rights are currently owned by the Thunder. If they are traded to a team with space to sign him, then he could make his NBA debut.
The Bulls, Nuggets and Bucks had been rumored to be interested in Micic, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer. But this late into free agency, those teams don't have the salary exceptions that would be required to add him for the contract that he would be seeking.
The Spurs were also mentioned by Fischer as a possible landing spot. They still have the cap space needed to add him, although his fit would no longer make much sense in a rebuilding situation.
Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon was also spotted attending one of Micic's Efes games earlier in June. They still have part of their taxpayer midlevel exception, so they could make an offer.
Vasilije Micic scouting report: Talent on offense
Micic is very fun to watch in the pick-and-roll. He has superb feel and is an unbelievably creative passer. His wrap passes look like they're out of a video game.
Micic is not an athletic freak. Instead, he generates advantages with clever ball handling and change of speed. He has a great in-and-out dribble and knows how to get to his spots on the floor.
Micic uses that same level of craft to finish at the rim. He knows how to manipulate space and find unusual angles to get his shot off. His passing threat makes it hard to send extra help at him.
Micic is also a solid shooter. He has hit nearly 37 percent of his 3-point attempts in his career, and many of those shots came from NBA range and off movement.
The one area of weakness for Micic is that he can get a little careless with the ball. His handle isn't quite as tight as you'd expect for such a high-skill player.
Vasilije Micic scouting report: Questions on defense
The concern for Micic is going to be on the defensive side of the ball. With respect to the Pelicans, "Serb" Jones he is not.
Micic has decent positional size (6-5) but a poor wingspan. His limited tools make it hard for him to stay solid against much less athletic players overseas.
Micic is decent in terms of making the right rotations in a team scheme, but the multiple efforts are missing. He can get into trouble when defending on an island.
Micic does have very good awareness, allowing him to get his hands on the ball to generate steals. Maybe he plays better with a smaller offensive role in the NBA, but he doesn't play with much force. He's probably going to be a negative on the defensive side of the ball.
Micic has NBA talent. He could come over soon — if a competitive team can find a way to trade for his rights and offer him a reasonable contract.
If those things ever come to fruition, he will instantly become a fan-favorite wherever he lands. He's a good player with a flashy game that is mesmerizing to watch.
Vasilije Micic highlights
For a longer video scouting report of his game, watch below:
