So happy Vlade talked him out of signing back overseas
I wanted Thibbs here when we were looking. Thank goodness that didn’t happenWTG Vlade. Great move. There really isn’t much else that can be said.
OTOH, Can’t believe how stubborn and not smart Thibs is.
More Serbians please
His defense has been surprisingly good. Thanks, Thibs. You made a defensive powerhouse for us!
I especially like post 92 in that thread.....hahaTake a look back at what we felt when Vlade signed him:
https://community.kingsfans.com/threads/kings-reach-agreement-w-bjelica-3yrs-20-5m.69930/
I especially like post 92 in that thread.....haha
Cuz Thibs is a punk.why didn't Thibs want him?
Cuz Thibs is a punk.
Yeah. The thing that makes me optimistic about him is that so many of the things he brings aren’t dependent on hot streaks or whatever. Even if he’s not having a great shooting night, he’s such a good rebounder, passer, help defender that he’s going to probably be a net positive anyways.He's playing phenomenal right now, but I do expect him to hit back to reality as he won't average 60% FG and 57% 3pt for the season. However, I initially though the signing was meh, and even considered an overpay with his mediocre performance in Minnesota. I thought he'd be a stop gap PF just to provide floor spacing... boy, I was wrong.
Even if he doesn't continue to shoot it lights out for the rest of the season, he still has high IQ and good passing ability. I'm surprised by how good of a defender he's been so far. He's been a good mentor and veteran to our young players as well. I'm extremely happy to have him on board.
While Bjelica has been a great signing, I am not sure he was a “find” for Vlade and Peja. Bjelica has been one of the most complete players in Europe for a while. In NBA term he is a “jack of all trades, master of none”! He was always going to be a pretty solid role player for an NBA team that would utilize all his skills and not limit him as a spot up stretch 4. Vlade knew that this team needed a stretch 4 that can also handle, create for others and is a pretty solid rebounder. His D has been a surprise though. Does help that he has WCS and/or Bagley back there to rotate and cover his backStraight up FA diamond in the rough.
Awesome find by Vlade!
There is a player nobody mentions in free agency, but I would not be surprised if Vlade tries to get him. He is called Nemanja Bjelica from Timberwolves.
He came to NBA as an MVP of a Euroleague, but since then he really struggled with injuries and his character that he is not too aggressive. He is a team first player, stretch four or a three, when he was younger he played even as a point guard. Really unselfish player who makes shots in high percentage, does not take bad shots, good rebounder and good passer. He would give Kings a lot of those small things that can be game changer, really an X factor type of player.
His value was really low, but since Jimmy Butler got injured, he took a starting small forward spot and plays really good, even scored 30 against Boston.
His age is a small concern, as he is 30 this year, and that does not go with Kings young core, but again he is such a valuable team player, that I wouldn't be surprised if Vlade tries to sign him.