Mirza Teletovic: “It was just a matter of time”

Last season was tough for Mirza Teletovic.  As Fred Kerber writes, "One coach insisted he would never be an NBA player. Another coach refused to play him consistently, despite requests by management and ownership." In order that would be Avery Johnson and P.J. Carlesimo on one side: Billy King and Dmitry Razumov on the other.

Never mind, says Teletovic who's become the Nets deep threat late ... and at $3.2 million, a bargain.

"It was just a matter of time," he told The Post. "Have patience. While a lot of people don’t understand, a lot of people do understand my life and my story, the way I grew up and how I was raised and the things I’ve been through."

He meant, of course, the War in Bosnia, which Kerber wrote about earlier this season.

"For me, nothing in life was easy. I had to work for everything and that’s what I’m doing right now. Just keep doing the same things." he added.

The 6'9" King of Bosnia and his coach share a mutual appreciation, Kidd noting his BBIQ and experience. "For him it’s just his confidence in being able to be productive," Kidd told Kerber. "When he comes on the court. His teammates believe that, his coaches believe that."

"It had to take an adjustment period and then I think Jason Kidd has given a lot of thought like … when I’m needed, spread the court and the guys, they understand where I’m going to be when they drive," said Teletovic.

• Teletovic’s patience with Nets is finally paying off - Fred Kerber - New York Post