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Nemanja Bjelica Screwing The Sixers Turned Out To Be One Of The Most Impactful Moves Of The NBA Summer

On July 5, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Nemanja Bjelica and the Philadelphia Sixers had agreed to a one year, $4.4 million deal. Back then, I called it one of the most underrated signings of the offseason. Bjelica was the perfect fit for the Sixers with his spacing and outside shooting!

Everybody thought it was a done deal until we found out Nemanja Bjelica won’t be heading to Philadelphia after all. He never even signed his contract with Philadelphia.

Then on July 21, out of nowhere, the Sacramento Kings signed Bjelica to a three year deal worth $20.5 million. A perfect move, as we know now.

The former EuroLeague MVP has majorly impressed as a King. This season, he’s averaging 15.1 poins, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks.

The Kings got him, because they needed a shooter. But Nemanja has quickly shown that he is more than that. He’s a great all around player who can rebound, block shots and pass the ball. He’s basically the player the Sixers would have needed to lead their second unit. Bjelica loves the opportunity he has in Sacramento and said:

“All my life and all my career, I was underrated, but I don’t have a problem with that. I just love the game of basketball, and I worked really hard to be here today.”

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also made this observation and rightfully called Bjelica screwing the Sixers, one of the most impactful moves of the summer. What a surprise.

Who knew Nemanja Bjelica backing out of a deal in Philly and then signing in Sacramento would end up being one of the most impactful moves of the NBA summer?

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) October 31, 2018