Nemanja Bjelica May Stay in NBA After All; Wants “Some Kind of Stability”

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Jul 19, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 01: Larry Nance Jr. #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on January 1, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Early Wednesday, after months of speculation, the disgruntled superstar, that is Kawhi Leonard, was officially shipped out of San Antonio.

Naturally, the vast majority of the day’s NBA discussions centered around that blockbuster agreement.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, lost in the shuffle of Gregg Popovich & Co. literally sending Leonard to another country, was this surprising development regarding a familiar ex-Timberwolf’s unanticipated return to the country:

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. Approximately 24 hours after initial reports surfaced that Bjelica would be returning to Europe, in lieu of a handshake agreement with the 76ers; current indications now strongly suggest there is a good chance he’ll spend the upcoming season back on an NBA roster.

As you can imagine, the Bjelly’s switcheroo didn’t bode well with the all-too-familiar Philadelphia sports fans.

But, before anyone jumps down the Serbian’s throat, let his recent interview with the Athletic’s Jon Krawcyznski shed further light on the situation. During their discussion, which was prior to these Sacramento developments, the 30 year-old said “family and some kind of stability” was why he passed on the opportunity to join the up-and-coming 76ers.

He also stated that his decision was “not about the Philly organization. Brett Brown, he’s a great guy and a great coach.”

Fast forward to the now:

While news has released today, that the Celtics and Marcus Smart have agreed to a 4 year-$52 million deal, there is no signed and sealed agreement between the former Euro-star and the Kings (or the Sixers I guess) .

When it’s all said and done, from what I’ve read on the situation, if Sacramento or any other organization is willing to give Bjelica his expressed desire for a longer-term contract, I’d fully expect him to continue his basketball career via the NBA. In regards to the Philly faithful’s wounds, they’ll heal up just fine. When it comes to losing out on the potential to secure a former European Timberwolf, this isn’t the fan base’s first rodeo.

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

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