By admin 
In 2013, the Golden State Warriors acquired 22-year-old Nemanja Nedovic in the NBA draft after a trade with the Phoenix Suns. The Serbian guard, who made it to the league after a great season with Lithuanian club Rytas in the Euroleague, averaging 9.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, was ready to showcase his talents in the NBA.
Read more This NC-based chain ranks No. 1 for fast-food breakfast for 4th year in a row
The previous season was pretty successful for the Warriors, as they got to the Western Conference semi-finals. Although they did lose to the Spurs 4-2, the team from San Francisco showed potential to become a real force in the NBA.
Eventually, they became exactly that, having Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green as three key guys. Unfortunately for Nedovic, his role was as backup to one of the best point guards in NBA history. What was even worse for him was that he didn’t feel that only in the game, but also in training.
Nedovic just wasn’t ready
After playing professionally in Europe for a few years, Nedovic got used to the coaching style there. Focus is on the tactic, small details and playing five-on-five, where coaches make changes and rest players. Mark Jackson, then head coach of the Warriors, had a different approach. At his practices, players called the substitutions, which didn’t bother Nedovic.
“I had to say to Steph’ take a rest, buddy.’ Yeah, right. The coach asked me if I wanted to train with them. I said to him that I really want to, but Curry never needs to rest,”
Nedovic expressed on a “6.75range” podcast that, that year, he didn’t play as he wanted and didn’t even train properly. But having weaker training wasn’t the only issue for him. Due to National Team duties, Nedovic came to training camp 10 days later with a torn meniscus. Because of that injury, he missed another seven to ten days.
Being away due to a physical condition caused Nedovic to fall behind the others. From the beginning, his journey wasn’t consistent. The Warriors’ next move only extended Nedovic’s struggle. They sent him to the G League to play for the Santa Cruz Warriors. After a few games, he was called back to the first team, and the switch between the two teams went back and forth.
Despite having many unfortunate situations, Nedovic primarily blames himself. He said he dove headfirst into the NBA, not realizing how big a step it actually is.
“Physically and in my head, I wasn’t ready for that change, for that step,” explained Nedovic.
Read more “Look at how Dr. Buss ran the organization” – Byron Scott sends a message to the new Lakers owners
Related: “These statements are null and void” – Draymond Green shut down Monta Ellis’ Warriors dynasty claims
What would he change?
After playing and training the whole season with great players, Nedovic was hoping next season was his time to shine. He played well in the summer league and had a significant role in the preseason because, as he said, Curry didn’t play that type of game.
It seemed like it was finally Nedovic’s time to shine, but the Warriors’ new coach, Steve Kerr, told him that, instead of him, at the backup point guard position, they would use Andre Iguodala.
At that moment, everything fell apart for Nedovic. He knew immediately it was time to end his NBA journey and come back to Europe. Although he had other offers and trade options, he wanted to go somewhere where he would have an important role.
Combining all the aspects, such as stacked roster, inconsistency and not being ready physically and mentally, Nedovic realized that playing in the best league was the wrong decision at that time.
“One thing I would maybe change in my career would be staying in Europe for a few more years, just like Bogdan Bogdanovic did,” explained Curry.
The year Nedovic left the Warriors, they went on to win their first title and start their dominance in the following years. Still, the Serbian point guard had the chance to play with one of the best players of all time and see the dynasty in their rise.
Related: Golden State Warriors told Tyrese Haliburton he fit them perfectly: “But we don’t know if we could draft you at 2”
Read more PG&E gets $271 million from Trump administration to help pay off Diablo Canyon loan
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 2:44 AM.