Vasilije Micic returns to Europe after his NBA stint, signing a record deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv. In an exclusive interview, he discusses his motivations, Serbia’s EuroBasket hopes, and why this summer marked a pivotal moment in his career.
For months, uncertainty swirled around Vasilije Micic's next move. Ever since his February trade from Charlotte to the Phoenix Suns, it had become increasingly clear that the former back-to-back EuroLeague champion and MVP was closer to a return to Europe than a long-term NBA future.
Vasilije Micic
Vasilije Micic
Position: PG, SG
Age: 31
Height: 195 cm
Weight: 92 kg
Birth place: Kraljevo, Serbia
But where exactly he would land remained a mystery.
Hapoel Tel Aviv had been a rumored destination from the outset — and in the end, that’s where he landed, signing a three-year deal that makes him the highest-paid player in Europe.
Still, the Serbian guard’s path could have easily led elsewhere, including familiar stops like Crvena vezda or Anadolu Efes, or one of several other European powerhouses who came calling. But Micic made his decision early — and wisely — giving himself time to turn full attention toward Serbia’s EuroBasket campaign, which will begin in Riga and, if all goes to plan, extend deep into the knockout stages.
“The desire to be together again was the first thing that stood out.”
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Micic opened up about why he returned to Europe, how seriously he considered Zvezda, the Hapoel project, and above all, his national team ambitions.
“The desire to all be together again was the first thing that struck me,” Micic said from the Serbian training camp in Stara Pazova.
“It’s a lot nicer when we’re gathering with more or less the same group for the second year in a row. Most of us have been rotating in and out over the past five or six years, but the core is tight. There are some new, younger guys too, and that’s healthy. But the atmosphere is what’s stood out the most so far.”
Serbia is one of the clear medal contenders for EuroBasket. And after the team’s silver medal at the Paris Olympics, expectations have only grown. For Micic, so has the hunger.
“Last summer was beautiful and successful. This is a different story. A lot can change in a year — in life, in sport. But last year’s success motivates us to invest even more this summer so we can keep building something that lasts.”
Does he agree with the growing sentiment that this could be the strongest EuroBasket in recent memory?
“EuroBasket is always the toughest competition. There are so many good teams — they’ve played together for years, they know how to win, they know how to play. Everyone’s here for a reason. That’s why our day-by-day approach is crucial.”
'I followed my dream to the NBA'
It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for Micic. He started the season in Charlotte, was traded to Phoenix mid-season, saw limited minutes, then returned to the Hornets in the offseason — only to make the decision to leave the NBA entirely.
“Honestly, I don’t see all that as some major upheaval, since my last game was back on February 5,” he laughed.
“Yes, it was a transition — my own decision. EuroLeague is fantastic, at an even higher level than when I left two years ago, and the coming season will be even better. I’m happy to have signed with Hapoel. It’s a personal motivator for me in this next chapter.”
Was it difficult to make the call?
“A lot of it came down to my personal vision of what I want going forward. This was my final guaranteed year in the NBA — nothing was certain. After two trades, I realized that wasn’t the picture I wanted to keep living. No disrespect to the league — it’s a serious business.
But I wanted stability, a base. A long-term contract became my priority, and at this stage in life, that was the deciding factor. I’d tried the NBA. By the end of the season, I was already thinking about coming back.”
Any regrets about the move to the NBA?
“Not for a single second. I had a clear picture of what I was getting into. My deal with Hapoel is confirmation that the vision was worth it. I follow my dreams — life is boring without them.
And honestly, I don’t think my NBA stint was bad at all, especially the parts when I played. But a lot of things need to line up — those organizations think in three- to five-year cycles, and I didn’t have that kind of runway.
I had maybe one more cycle left, but it was worth returning for what I came back for. I left Europe at the peak of my career, and I’m returning the same way. Hopefully with health on my side... It didn’t harm me — quite the opposite. It helped.”
Zvezda talks
With his return to Europe widely anticipated, speculation ran wild about his next destination. Among the most vocal suitors were Anadolu Efes and Crvena Zvezda.
"There were many serious discussions with several teams, but mainly with Crvena zvezda and Anadolu Efes. I was clear and honest in every conversation. I consider that fair, especially now that, for the first time, I was able to negotiate the terms I had been working toward for years. It was the summer of my career — that’s how it felt."
Regarding Zvezda's interest, Micic said it was "serious from the start."
We had very open conversations,” he added.
“It’s justified that people hoped and wanted me to return to Zvezda. But from my side, I was as professional and transparent as possible.”
And yet, he chose Hapoel. Why?
“Because the project made sense. I’m not a fan of hype — I like clear visions and clear plans. Hapoel is a club trying to grow beside the biggest in Israel. Their pace is fast, their decisions are bold. That was appealing to me.
EuroLeague clubs often lack long-term vision — it’s all about now, and owners are impatient. But Hapoel gave me a three-year deal and a chance to help build something. That mattered. Of course, the roles of owner Ofer Yannay and coach Dimitris Itoudis were important too. But ultimately, it came down to my own inner motivation.”
Micic spoke with new head coach Dimitris Itoudis, who won the EuroCup last season with Hapoel, before signing.
“He was the first one to call. He’s already positioned himself well there, and the club sees him as a long-term leader. Together, I believe we can build something meaningful.”
Now returning to a 20-team EuroLeague that includes new markets like Tel Aviv and Dubai, Micic is excited about the league’s growth.
“I like it. Even though it’s just two new teams, it represents a whole new organizational structure. It’s not easy to unite everyone under one roof, but EuroLeague clearly wants a more cohesive, top-level competition. I believe that’s possible.
This is one of the steps toward lifting the league even higher. I think more clubs will join in the future. It’s starting to look like a truly elite league.”
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