Wing Prospect Nikola Djurisic Set to Return to Serbia with Red Star

According to European basketball media Meridian Sport, Serbian powerhouse KK Crvena Zvezda is close to signing free-agent wing prospect Nikola Djurisic, offering him a chance to return to the Serbian court.

Djurisic was just waived by the Atlanta Hawks last week. The move came after the team offered a standard contract to rookie wing Caleb Houstan, filling the roster to 15 players and leaving Djurisic as the odd man out.

Born in February 2004, Djurisic holds dual Serbian-Belgian nationality, stands 203cm tall, weighs 95kg, and was selected by the Hawks with the 43rd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Before joining the NBA, he played for KK Mega in Serbia, showcasing strong scoring and playmaking abilities in both the Serbian League and Adriatic League.

Unfortunately, a left foot fracture during the 2024 NBA Summer League limited his opportunities to establish himself in the NBA. During his rookie season, he played for the Hawks’ G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. Last summer, the Hawks offered him a standard contract, but this season he appeared in 21 G League games, averaging 20.8 minutes, 9.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1 block, shooting 42.7% from the field, 19% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line.

Despite these numbers, Djurisic struggled to find offensive efficiency and consistency from outside, and never emerged as a dominant player in the G League. His release was therefore understandable. His return to Serbia with Red Star presents an opportunity to regain confidence and show his full potential.