Sasha Vezenkov arrives in Sacramento, takes in California Classic

Jul 6, 2023, 9:04 AM | Updated: 9:04 am

(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

As the Sacramento Kings ran through their lay-up lines before facing the Miami Heat in Wednesday’s California Classic finale, a buzz swept over the building as a 6’9 man sat near the Kings bench.

Wearing a white Kings hoodie and sitting next to general manager Monte McNair, Sasha Vezenkov made his unofficial Golden 1 Center debut in front of over 10,000 fans.

There wasn’t much pomp and circumstance surrounding Vezenkov’s presence as the forward’s contract still isn’t official, meaning that the Golden 1 Center jumbotron was able to highlight De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell’s attendance, but not Vezenkov–not yet, at least.

Sasha Vezenkov is in the house.

The newest member of the Kings is sitting courtside along with GM Monte McNair, COO Matina Kolokotronis and assistant GM Wes Wilcox. pic.twitter.com/lpoMtxsQGf

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) July 6, 2023

Following months of speculation, the Kings reached an agreement with the EuroLeague MVP on a three-year, $20 million deal during the opening days of free agency last week.

Vezenkov, a forward with a lethal three-point stroke, made the trip from Greece to Northern California on Tuesday as he officially prepares to sign his deal in the coming days.

Kings fans got their first look at the 27-year-old during Wednesday’s action as Vezenkov sat courtside alongside general manager Monte McNair, assistant general manager Wes Wilcox, and chief operating officer Matina Kolokotronis.

Sacramento’s coaching staff–head coach Mike Brown–along with assistant coaches Jordi Fernandez and Jay Triano–also sat alongside Vezenkov during the second half of the Kings’ game against Miami and appeared to be in conversation for the remainder of the game.

Sasha Vezenkov talking shop with Kings head coach Mike Brown, along with assistants Jordi Fernandez and Jay Triano. pic.twitter.com/CLpo5KI6am

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) July 6, 2023

Over 37 appearances in the EuroLeague and Greek League this season, Vezenkov averaged 17.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 65 percent on two-point field goals and 39 percent from beyond the three-point arc.

Vezenkov, who was already rocking Kings attire in the form of a white hooded sweatshirt, will be able to officially become a member of the organization as soon as Thursday (July 6th) when players are allowed to begin signing contracts with their new teams.

Although Vezenkov hasn’t signed his new contract, the soon-to-be King was sporting his new team’s gear and had already gotten a workout in at his new facility with a familiar face, nonetheless.

The two-time Greek League MVP was in the team’s practice facility with Fox on Wednesday, and the two were seen exchanging pleasantries during halftime.

Vivek Randive gives Sasha Vezenkov a nod, followed by De’Aaron Fox coming by to give the newest King a handshake. pic.twitter.com/uUVN2ft6VB

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) July 6, 2023

It’s possible that Vezenkov will ink his new deal as soon as this weekend when the Kings arrive in Las Vegas for the NBA 2K24 Summer League, a setting that the team has signed its newest players in recent years.

As of 9:00am PST on July 6th, free agents can sign contracts with new teams and trades can be completed, meaning we are very close to Sacramento announcing the acquisition of Vezenkov.

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