Tara Murray
The work is only beginning for Dejan Vasiljevic as he gets one step closer to achieving his NBA dream.
Vasiljevic earned himself an exhibit 10 contract with the Washington Wizards, after impressing for the Wizards during the Summer League competition.
An exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary NBA contract, with NBA teams having the ability to turn it into a two-way deal.
For Vasiljevic, he is keen to make the most of this opportunity.
“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “it is what I’ve been working towards, for any contract for an NBA team.
“In the past off season, I’ve kind of shown that the hard work pays off. Now that I’m there, I’ve got the opportunity to showcase what I can do some more.
“I’ve said it before I have to work my butt off to stay there and kind of prove my point, and keep working hard.”
For Vasiljevic it was his second stint at Summer League having been part of the Phoenix Suns squad 12 months ago.
He said it was a very different situation to what he found himself in last year.
“I think that my first summer league I was kind of let’s bring him in and fill in a spot, then go from there, you might play, you might not play, “ he said.
“I knew at Washington I was wanted. I wish I played a little bit more playing time, but again didn’t expect much with most of the roster guys playing.
“I got my opportunity and took full chance. It was more about the opportunity and the team actually wanting me to be there.”
Vasiljevic will have a familiar face with him in Washington with former Sydney Kings teammate Xavier Cocks having a contract with the Wizards.
He said he and Cocks are inseparable at the moment, having also played at the AIS together.
Vasiljevic said after a strong few years with the Sydney Kings in the National Basketball League that the time was right for him to head back overseas.
“I had a really good three years in the NBL and I think I proved a lot of people wrong,” he said. “I came out a two-time champion in those three years.
“I think my time is now, I’m 26 years old. I wanted to give a crack to see what the market was like
“I might return to the NBL in the near future for a certain team and we’ll see what happens.”
Vasiljevic said he would look to spend the year with Washington, including possibly playing for their G-League team and then further assess his career.
He said next year’s Olympics are a goal for him.
“I was a little disappointed that I wasn’t called up this year,” he said. “Australian basketball is on the rise really well, so many great talents and NBA talents
“I’m trying to be another Australian who steps foot on an NBA court. Hopefully I’ll get the call and go into training camp for the Paris Olympics.”
Vasiljevic is set to return home to Australia this week for a break before the pre-season starts.
One place he is keen to spend a bit of time at while he is home, is his basketball academy, 3J Basketball Academy in his home town of Tarneit.
“My academy runs all year round,” he said. “It continues to grow and grow.
“I’ll continue to spend a lot of time there with the kids and kind of showcase my experience and what I’ve learnt in my time.
“I want to give them as much time as possible to help them.”
