Born in Cyprus, emerging as a force with the Bulgarian junior national teams, but getting his first pro run in Greece, Vezenkov had already solidified himself as a viable role player at the highest levels while still a teenager. His significant shot-making talent without needing the ball in his hands too much has always been apparent and led Vezenkov to earn an early opportunity with Barcelona back in 2015. Since making his EuroLeague debut just after his 20th birthday that fall, Vezenkov's path forward has been fascinating.
His already-efficient floor spacing and great all-around offensive instincts translated to a modest role in his first season with Barcelona but stood out in his second, when he shot a gaudy 48% from beyond the arc and 68% inside it while playing more minutes. Slowed by injuries the following year, Vezenkov subsequently returned to Greece to sign with Olympiacos. After struggling with his jump shot in his first season with the Reds and taking some time to shake off the rust from his injury, Vezenkov's star was clearly on the rise even two years ago, but went supernova midway through last season.
After averaging an impressive 1.22 points per-possession over 10.1 possessions per-game through a four-game losing streak in late January, Vezenkov averaged 1.25 points per possession over 13 possessions per game to close the regular season. He ultimately helped Olympiacos to an unexpected second-place regular season finish and challenged Nikola Mirotic atop the offensive efficiency leaderboard. A dynamic force in the EuroLeague capable of carrying his team on his best nights had truly arrived.
As a result, his excellent play so far this season feels fairly routine, seeing as he has always been tremendously opportunistic inside and scores in a variety of ways from the perimeter. But the way in which Vezenkov has maintained that efficiency in a superstar role while also leading the EuroLeague in rebounding is a big reason his team is undefeated now. It may be early in the season to hand out too much praise, but it is hard to look at the momentum Vezenkov has built over the last five years, eight months, or three weeks and not pick up on the pattern.
In many ways Vezenkov is the prototype for the modern EuroLeague star: a gifted young player who navigated the pressures of a demanding, veteran-heavy league, persisted through the growing pains of becoming a consistent high-level contributor, and then seized the opportunity to carry his team when called on.
Looking ahead to Round 5
Vezenkov and Olympiacos will take on AS Monaco and this season's second-leading scorer Mike James in Round 5 in a rematch of last year's quarterfinals. James has been very efficient in his own right so far this season, but he may need to get hot early if he is going to help Monaco overcome the notorious home-court advantage Olympiacos enjoys in Peace and Friendship Stadium.