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Kaunas Zalgiris Thread

  • Thread starter Thread starter Straight forward2
  • Start date Start date
Straight forward said:
Do you want me to be? :) When Skvernelis wife screws ridiculously with her insights about "the road" just before elections and people start to mock her, you ask them, ARE YOU JEALOUS, is that the case? :) Don't forget Kaunas government supports the club (even the state to some degree), it's not entirely private thing where you can throw even your teenage kids to do the job if you like so. All Zalgiris moves should make sense and people will surely question them.
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Question? You already made up your mind
 
I think we should really value what we can see now in Zalgiris. The club won't be able to keep all Jokubaitis, Grigonis, Lekavicius in the club for another season, IMO. Rounding into his optimal shape, Grigonis provides absolutely elite things on the court. He's a flat out target of contending club, no single doubt. Jokubaitis' upside is even higher and his development is basically unprecendented not only Lithuania wise, but globally as well (we really would be looking to the cases like Rubio, Doncic if we would won't to have something similar, even if I'm surely not comparing Jokubaitis with Doncic). Lekavicius had very strong campaign last season and this season he's on super role player's mode thus far, fantastic numbers shooting wise, already provided couple of clutch performances, he makes huge difference coming off the bench in just 18min. Even his value most likely will go up, even if there will be realistic chances to keep him. So let's enjoy this luxury, it's has been a while we had such a Lith guard power in a local club.
 
After six rounds Grigonis (97PIR) and Lekavicius (92PIR) are by far two best Zalgiris' players. Than goes Hayes (64) and Rubit (50) while the fifth best player thus far is Jokubaitis (48). While Walkup surely bounce back and he had a great game against Asvel efficiency wise, I think Jokubaitis might keep it up more or less among best players of the team which is remarkable knowing his age and how competitive Zalgiris actually is. Schiller shouldn't underrate Lekavicius, he tends to glue him to the bench too much here and there. With his incredible production at the beginning of the season, he had to snatch a little bit more minutes than 18. My eyes will continue to bleed watching Walkup's ball kneading even when he will start filling efficiency lines. Would really appreciate some with quick, spot on and non hesitant decision making at 1 even with much worse D, seriously. I think Walkup must be the least aesthetically captivating starting PG in the league, LOL :D
 
Grigonis only 4th Zalgiris player to snatch Euroleague's MVP of the Month award since 2004/2005 season. Way to go. Others three are Marcus Brown, Jankunas, Brandon Davies.
 
Super pleased about that. However he still has to work on his drible, he fumbles way too often.
 
Interesting how Zalgiris will build next season. Jankunas is surely done. Grigonis will be gone, IMO. Lekavicius might be gone. Jokubaitis, IMO, should stay for his last season in Zalgiris. After that I see other teams buying him out. Speculation is that Butkevicius should go to Zalgiris, but there's Garino and Milaknis with contracts. Personally, to me Butkevicius is not EL player. Too shaky, to limited skill and IQ wise and he reached his ceiling already. From Liths, IMO, Zalgiris should be interested in Velicka and Kulboka (1 year deals AFAIK and both have ties with Kaunas), then they should consider to buy out D. Giedraitis if the sum is not super huge. The guy can really grow into very solid all around, 2 ways, high IQ SG and fill Grigonis shoes after few years. And I think Beliauskas may deserve a chance. Even if he does lack a little bit more IQ and flexibility to treat his ceiling very high, he's a solid scorer, decent defender, decent decision maker, as a 23yo already has rather impressive floor, so far dropping 10,6pts in 19min, and Obradoiro stands 7th thus far. Sort of a combo guard, might develop into EL role player, IMO. I would suggest Birutis, but I'm afraid his impact wouldn't be much better than current Geben's with less flexible defence likely, so I won't. Don't really see much point to get Dimsa back, because with all the hate to Schiller (by some), IMO, he made a right decision, Vasturia has higher upside and IQ.
 
Hold your horses, SF :) Under current pandemic situation, no fans in arena, no major incomes in budget none knows what kind of resources Zalgiris will have next season. It's impossible to predict what kind of players we'll be able to afford. Maybe Butkevicius will be a candidate for starting SF role :))) What I'm pretty sure of that no matter the situation, Milaknis and Geben will remain, has valid deals, not big earners, shouldn't attract any attention from abroad. Then who knows. There are valid deals with Walkup, Vasturia, Jokubaitis, Blazevic, Dimsa, Venskus. Only options with Grigonis, Garino, Rubit. Then there's ok scenario and bad scenario. In ok scenario I can see Kulboka as an option, even tho so far he is not shining, but club was interested in him for some time, but couldn't offer guaranteed place in roster, now might be different situation, while others you mentioned, simply has no room for now. Geben and Blazevic + some foreigner should be the line-up at C, so no place for Birutis, at PG Walkup or other foreigner + Jokubaitis/Lekavicius, so Velicka would have a shot if Liths would leave. Beliauskas and Giedraitis so far looks like Rytas material, if management there will get their sh*t together. Of course, if situation will get drastically worse, then things might get different
 
Sure, it's speculation as of yet :) But I could see Walkup, Velicka, Jokubaitis PG section if Lekavicius leaves (perfect chance for him to snatch his best contract), Jokubaitis playing some 2 as well. Velicka is a good candidate for Lekavicius' role, like instant aggressive drives once he gets to the floor (instant offense, energy guy), the difference is that Lekavicius has better shooting while Velicka has more passing ability and has athletic profile to bang with any guard defensively.

A guess there's no much point to sign Beliauskas while you have Dimsa, both are rather similar, but Beliauskas' upside is higher. As for Dovis Giedraitis, his upside is surely EL player, I have no doubt about, so Zalgiris might want to start using him already next season, but it's unlikely.

Kulboka is inconsistent as of yet, but good material to develop into reliable EL combo forward. IMO, Zalgiris still should be looking towards him.

I don't see Jokubaitis leaving as of yet. I see a draft-and-stash situation if gets drafted. Bigger clubs might want to fish him out already though, but I think Jokubaitis will want another season in Zalgiris.
 
Grigonis (27) and Lekavicius (12) combined 39/39 FTs in EL thus far. Both guy's shooting accuracy in EL and LKL is off charts. IMO, this backcourt duo already prevails Kalnietis, Seibuis duo (best we had in 10's). Grigonis, IMO, will never reach Siskauskas, Macijauskas territory since he's lacking burst, explosiveness compared to those guys, but he's the guard who reached the highest point since 00's greats and should be rather close in his absolute prime in a year or two.
 
I don't know. I was never conviced thath Shiller is doing a good enough job. Obvious mistake was overplaying leaders vs Cbet and obviously there are many more, but I guess our record is still ok, so can't be asking more of him yet.
 
Oh, snap, Lekavicius blew it with one missed free throw and now Zalgiris guards (Lukas, Marius, Rokas, Thomas) have 60/61 FTs :D

On a serious note, despite Shiller's transition and struggles with EL culture, Zalgiris is highly enjoyable team. If I could switch T. Walkup with something more watchable at 1, it would be pure pleasure.
 
Zalgiris open running game getting back to reality after other euroleague clubs getting in shape.

Trying playing open games with more tallented teams will not work in long run.Zalgiris will not win alot of games in 90s scoring wise.

This week both games in 4 querters we saw high quality guards deciding games 1 vs 1 when you let them all game long scoring and feeling it, they gonna make even tough shots later on and burn you.

Kazlauskas,Jasikevicius starts everything from defence when you have limited team your main plan should be trying to put your opponents in uncomfortable situations. Only then you search for offensive pluses your team could have.

Schiller is more Adomaitis type plays open offensive game , but also do not disturb what opponents wants to play.It could work if your team would have more than average tallent.For Lithuanians guards of last 10+ years I very doubt that a winning formula.

But atleast NT trio Grigonis,Lekavicius,Jokubaitis getting seriuos minutes againts top players every week, that should pay dividends for NT.

That trio can score they proved that manny times,but can they make stops defensively in game endings?

Getting such lessons in last 3 minutes from M.James or Delaney/ Punter in game endings it should make your finishing game skill better at some point with more experience being in them.
 
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I didn't like how Grigonis got himself in a foul trouble in the last games, i treat him as a smart player. On the other hand, i was surprised that the team played even better without him and could make some comebacks.
 
I think Schiller can do a little bit better job adjusting his defensive game plan to each team, that's what we should ask more from him. But other than that, Zalgiris is losing to stronger clubs, as simple as that. Higher quality players closes the games, it's as simple. Jasikevicius spoiled us with his ability to get from average players more than any other coach, but generally Schiller is doing OK.
 
Grigonis needs a better team where the opponent team wouldn't be able to do like that: not letting him to breath giving a freedom to crappy Walkup. But Grigonis uses most of the holes he has this season and his numbers are great. But it's not great to eatch him.in this Zalgiris team

Interesting, how Saras would coach Jokubaitis today. He didn't give him any solid minutes after his bad movements. Today Rokas missed his first 5-6 shots, but still played in the end ( solid 21 min overall) scoring 4 pts in a row but finished with -1 EFF. On the other hand, there aren't many options to choose. Foteigners guards should be better.

P.S. Both Zalgiris and Rytas clubs found crappy defensive coaches and gave them 3 years contracts.
 
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i never seen anybody playing worse pikenroll defence than Sved + Monroe,its basketball comedy not defence :) Our Lekavicius + Valanciunas looks like solid defenders compered to those 2 from chimky... atleast Lukas and Jonas is trying to defend, Sved and Monroe literally dont even try :) those 2 thinks only how they gonna score on other side.

Kurtinaitis must sit down those two offensive lazy asses down to the bench and limit their time badly or chimky gonna get 100pts every time in euroleague and Kurtis get fired soon.


Zalgiris in last 7 games defensive performance were pts allowed: 94, 93,85,87,98,83 + asvel using 7 players scored 50pts in first half and got tired in second half without normal rotation and finished with only 74pts and zalgiris managed barely beat them being behind all game.

Zalgiris went in those games 1-6 (with one win against Asvels 7 covid players rotation) .

Schiller you better start bulding team defence now or you gonna end up with Kurtinaits celebrating christmas without a job.Zalgiris have very slim chances winning games in euroleague every time getting to -20 deficits in 3querter and allowing opponents 85pts+


Jasikevicius demands Barcelona stars playing defence.Barsa by far best defensive euroleague team with only 69pts allowed on average so far this season.Thats how you win on highest level. When the last time Barcelona team leaded anything in any sport in defence ?

Hopefully Maskoliunas learned thing or two in last 5 years with Saras and will show in our NT some defences too next summer, when he will get more than 3 days to prepare team.
 
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This is a first time in years when Im not waiting for Zalgiris games anymore.

The defense is bad, is litterally bad. How the teams exploit our ice defense is funny to the point where it's sad. They are shooting unguarded 3s game after game.

The next game is againts Barca, I guess +30 for barca is a reasonable guess.
 
Shawshank said:
Zalgiris in last 7 games defensive performance were pts allowed: 94, 93,85,87,98,83 + asvel using 7 players scored 50pts in first half and got tired in second half without normal rotation and finished with only 74pts and zalgiris managed barely beat them being behind all game.

Zalgiris went in those games 1-6 (with one win against Asvels 7 covid players rotation) .

Schiller you better start bulding team defence now or you gonna end up with Kurtinaits celebrating christmas without a job.Zalgiris have very slim chances winning games in euroleague every time getting to -20 deficits in 3querter and allowing opponents 85pts+


Jasikevicius demands Barcelona stars playing defence.Barsa by far best defensive euroleague team with only 69pts allowed on average so far this season.Thats how you win on highest level. When the last time Barcelona team leaded anything in any sport in defence ?

Hopefully Maskoliunas learned thing or two in last 5 years with Saras and will show in our NT some defences too next summer, when he will get more than 3 days to prepare team.
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Forget Saras, coaches like him happens in teams like Zalgiris very rarely. He simply spoiled us. On other hand, just remember a year ago, when Zalgiris was in that 9 games losing streak, general opinion of public was not much different - Saras schemes doesn't work, it's oldschool, where is offense, players need more freedom, fck the defense, we need points and etc. Now we have more offense, more freedom, but... teams like Zalgiris can't live with offense alone. I won't gonna crucify Schiller, not now at least, for Saras every season it took time to gel all the system, lot of time, now Schiller does it from different angle, but he tries, he cares, he wants to be better and improve, and he works a lot, I respect that and that's why I'll give him more time. Moreover we have no resources to change coaches like socks and not much of option to choose from. i mean Schiller worls here for a bit over 200k, which is probably the cheapest coach in EL. Anyway, it's damn tough to fill Saras shoes, pretty much impossible for a coach who coaches for the first time in Europe, is from different bball school, and expectations are a bit unrealistically high. Let's face the truth again - we are not top8 caliber team and lately never were roster-wise. But Saras pushed us that high, to the limits. That's kinda reality check now for most. But it happened in most starts of the season, so I'll judge it all in few months, I hope Schiller will find some solutions to improve defensive game
 
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