Sixers second-round pick Filip Petrusev is eager to join his teammates in Philadelphia, but the team will likely keep the 21-year-old overseas as a draft-and-stash player, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes.
Petrusev, the No. 50 pick in the draft, is coming off an impressive season with KK Mega Basket in Serbia. He averaged 23.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, impressing Philadelphia enough to draft him — but not enough to bring him over just yet.
“My intentions would be obviously to come over as soon as possible,” Petrusev said. “But it’s not up to me.”
The 6’11” Petrusev can technically opt out of his contract with Mega before next season, but that remains unlikely given Philadelphia’s intentions.
There’s more from the Atlantic Division today:
- By signing Julius Randle to a four-year contract extension, the Knicks improved their chances of becoming an intriguing free-agent destination down the road, Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic writes. New York is also set to sign Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier while keeping most its returning playoff core from last season.
- Celtics second-round pick Juhann Begarin asked president of basketball operations Brad Stevens if he could play summer league with the team this month, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. “Normally after the draft, I normally come back (to) France,” said Begarin, whose wish has been granted. “But I asked Brad Stevens to play the summer league and show them if I can play in the NBA, and after the summer league I will see what’s happened.”
- Speaking of the Celtics, the team is hiring Bucks assistant Ben Sullivan to Ime Udoka‘s coaching staff, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Sullivan started his NBA career as a video intern for the Spurs, then became an assistant coach with the Hawks in 2014. He joined the Bucks in 2018.
- Michael Grange of Sportsnet examines Masai Ujiri‘s new deal and title with the Raptors, noting that Ujiri’s new “vice chairman” position won’t give him a stake in team ownership.
Bulls signed DeRozan, Lonzo and Caruso
Rankings
Bulls
Knicks
Pacers
Celtics
7th seed Celtics could miss the playoffs if new coach does not overachieve
3 other teams have better coaches
Nah
Celtics/Knicks
Bulls
Pacers
So maybe someone can clarify this…if Petrusev wants to come over, play for the 76ers but 76ers don’t want to sign him and keep him over seas, how long can they do that? Sounds like a messed up system
They hold his rights until he signs a contract or is traded. Basically it can be forever unless one of those two things happen.
The Sixers have his draft rights for 1 year until the next draft so long as they make him the required tender (1 year NG minimum salary contract). But the 1 year period is tolled as long as he’s playing in a recognized overseas league.
He could force the Sixers’ hand by terminating his current contract, at which point the Sixers have to make him a required tender (or he’s a UFA) and have 1 year to actually sign him to a contract (if not, he enters the next draft).
I like the Petrusev pick in Philly at 50 (no risk), but not sure I see the plan or place for him as currently constructed. There is no roster spot for him barring a trade that opens up a spot for us. Next year? Or is he more of an add in for a trade to come? Not sure I see a fit for him right now.
I do as well. Most likely he ends up as a back stretch 4. He played college ball and international ball so he should be close to nba ready when sixers need him(1 or 2 years)
I don’t see how the Knicks are even are a playoff team. Especially if the Celtics could get Schroeder. A healthy pacers are way better than them.