_{A Players Newsletter: Euro League ➡️ NBA}

2 Stars Make Their Way from Euro League to the NBA

1. Sasha Vezenkov (2023 Euro League MVP)

• 27 years old

• 6-foot-9 stretch forward

• Comes to Sacramento after playing for Olympiacos (Greece)

• Averaged 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists (per game) (2022-23 season)

• Shot 65.5% from 2-point field goals, 37.8% from 3-point field goals

• Drafted in 2017 by the Brooklyn Nets with the 57th pick

• Draft rights were traded to the Kings in the summer of 2022.

• Signed with the Kings for a reported $20 million/3-year deal

In the regular season, Sasha should have a great opportunity to knock down shots. NBA teams do not place a high premium on defense during the regular season.

In the playoffs (assuming the Kings make the playoffs again), Sasha will have to elevate his defense to really make an impact. He won’t be able to be on the floor unless he can defend. I hope he can prove me wrong and has a great career in the NBA.

Sasha’s story is unique. After being drafted 57th overall in 2017, Sasha has remained overseas for the past 6 years. He has since developed into a promising player. Over the past 6 years, his rights have been traded from the Nets to the Cavaliers and this past season were traded to the Kings.

The Kings have been anxiously following him since acquiring his rights during the 2022 off-season. (See Video Below, Taken Before Contract Was Signed).

2. Vasilije Micić (2021 Euro League MVP)

• 29 years old

• 6-foot-5 guard

• Comes to OKC after playing for Anadolu Efes (Turkey)

• In Europe, Micić has averaged 13.8 PPG & shot 36% from 3

• Drafted in 2014 by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 52nd pick

• Signed with the Thunder for a reported $23.5 million/3-year deal

I think this deal is smart because his Thunder teammates will see this contract and he will have some immediate respect because the Thunder clearly see his value. OKC has a super young core (average age of 23) and he is an experienced player.

Vasa can go to OKC and use all the resources to improve his game. The spacing will give him the opportunity to showcase his offensive arsenal.

In other news, the Euro League introduced Play-in Showdown.

The Euro League is not as profitable as it could be, and so it is good to see them expanding and searching for more revenue options.

No salary cap in the Euro League is another issue, the teams with the most money can afford to go out and buy star players.

The Corner 3 is a shot that every basketball player needs to be able to make.

The Corner 3 has even been described as “the most important shot in basketball” because of the pressure it puts on the defense.

The Corner 3️⃣ of our newsletter will include:

• 1 Quote

• 1 Skill to Work on

• 1 Headline to Learn From

1 Quote:

❝

"Dedication is the unwavering flame that fuels the pursuit of greatness. It ignites the spirit, propels dreams into action, and transforms ordinary paths into extraordinary journeys."

Dedication is crucial because it brings focus and commitment to our endeavors, helping us overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

It instills a sense of purpose and determination, enabling us to persevere through challenges and setbacks.

With dedication, we cultivate a strong work ethic and a willingness to put in the necessary effort, leading to personal growth, success, and fulfillment.

1 Skill to Work on: 

Meditation -- Intentional Reflection

🧘‍♂️ Meditation has several benefits for the brain:

1. Improved focus and attention: Regular meditation practice has been shown to enhance concentration and attention span. It helps train the mind to stay present and focused, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in various tasks.

2. Reduced stress and anxiety: Meditation has a calming effect on the brain. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the production of stress hormones. This can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve overall mental well-being.

3. Enhanced cognitive abilities: Studies suggest that meditation can positively impact cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, and problem-solving. It has been associated with structural changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to learning and memory, which may contribute to improved cognitive performance.

1 Headline to Learn From: Koepka accusses LIV Golf teammate of quitting

A few things to unravel here…

⛳️ Brooks Koepka is a leader for his LIV Golf team. His teammate, Matthew Wolff, was accused of quitting by Brooks and even went as far as to “basically given up on him (Matthew).”

🎯 As a leader, Brooks Koepka has the expectations and privilege to motivate, encourage, and hold his teammates accountable. In professioanal sports, all teams have rules and standards, which are a major key to developing a strong bond. Loyalty, trust, and respect are super important when building relationships.

Matthew definitely should not be giving up on his golf round while it is still going on, but Brooks is in the wrong here for going to the media and expressing his frustration.

When we have conflict with our teammates or family members, we need to go straight to them and address the issues so the issues can be resolved.

By Brooks expressing his frustrations to the media, now it is all over the news and front page of ESPN.

Clear communication is key to building trust and strengthening teams.

Thank you for reading this newsletter. Thank you for being A Player.

See you next week! 🙏

🔥 Players’ Recommendations:

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