Sasha Vezenkov has arrived: Kings fans show love to EuroLeague MVP at California Classic

Kings fans got their first glimpse of EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov on Wednesday on the final day of the California Classic at Golden 1 Center.

Vezenkov made his first appearance in Sacramento hours after arriving on a transoceanic flight from Europe. He entered the arena with Kings general manager Monte McNair and took a seat along the baseline near the Kings’ bench as they prepared to play the Miami Heat.

Vezenkov wasn’t introduced on the giant videoboard inside the arena because he can’t sign his three-year, $20 million contract until Thursday, but he received a warm welcome from the Sacramento crowd. During a quiet moment at the end of the game, one fan shouted “We love you Sasha” loud enough for everyone in the building to hear.

Vezenkov was flanked by a Kings contingent that included Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis, President of Business Operations John Rinehart, assistant general manager Wes Wilcox, head coach Mike Brown and assistant coaches Jordi Fernandez and Jay Triano. At one point, Brown and Vezenkov were seen sharing a laugh. Vezenkov also received a hardy handshake from Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé and a friendly greeting from point guard De’Aaron Fox.

Vezenkov was seen chatting with McNair and Wilcox in the first half. He spent much of the second half talking to Fernandez and Brown.

This is not the first time Vezenkov has met Brown and the team’s executives. A yearlong courtship led to his decision to sign with Sacramento after leading Olympiacos to a Greek League championship and the championship game at the EuroLeague Final Four.

The Kings acquired the draft rights to Vezenkov last summer in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the two sides couldn’t agree to a deal prior to the 2022-23 season. The organization has sent a number of representatives overseas to watch Vezenkov, including Kolokotronis, McNair, vice president of player personnel Phil Jabour, Brown and Triano.

Vezenkov, a two-time Greek League MVP, averaged 17.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists for Olympiacos this season. He shot 37.8% from 3-point range on 5.2 attempts per game. He has a quick release and gets his shot off in a variety of ways.

After watching Vezenkov in a playoff win over Fenerbahce, Brown told Greek media he believes the 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward would fit “really good” with a Kings team that produced the highest offensive rating in NBA history last season.

“I tell you what, the way he shoots the ball, we like to get up a lot of 3s,” Brown said. “We space the floor, in my opinion, really, really well. We play extremely fast, and so I think he can be a really effective player in the NBA at a high level, especially with his toughness. He’s not afraid at all and I love that about him.”