An immediate analysis of Dejan Vasiljevic’s fit with Adelaide

The 36ers are multiple moves away from contending, but Vasiljevic fills a clear need and will have the opportunity to showcase his ceiling as a scorer.

After a confusing preseason, the Adelaide 36ers starting 1-4 was of little surprise. There’s a lot that you could write about the 36ers and the pressure C.J. Bruton is under, but for now the focus is on Dejan Vasiljevic’s in-season addition.

Credit: Daniel Bennett Photography

Through five games, the Adelaide have rated almost two points per 100 possessions better on defence than league average. Admittedly, they’ve benefited from three-point shooting luck, with opponents connecting on just 28%, whilst also being allowed to attempt an above-average rate. There has been competitiveness on that end though, holding team to a below-average 49% on two-pointers, as well as a league-low free throw rate. Isaac Humphries, Jacob Wiley, Mitch McCarron, Sunday Dech, and Trey Kell are a decent defensive mix to build something competent with.  

Where the trouble has really been so far though is on the offensive end, and this is where Vasiljevic’s signing makes a ton of sense.