S
Straight forward2
Guest
Modis, there's no point to overreact after one or another bad game. Kalnietis for example had 2 very good games before the game against Loko (and he was ill). Seibutis in my opinion has some problems adjusting to the role in Zalgiris so far and probably still feel the burn out after NT, but his physical condition is fine so it's just some transitional period. The only player who looks really bad is Pocius and I would want to be wrong, but it might be the same case as with Kleiza - losing athleticism basically demolished their abilities. He lost explosiveness, agility, toughness and it's a question if can bring it back.
As for Olympics it's really not a time to integrate young blood unless obviously ripen talented player. Current NT is not guard orientated team. Aside Kalnietis who is very vital because of playmaking ability, there's JV, Maciulis, Jankunas, Kuzminskas as the main contributers. Seibutis surely will be in a puzzle, but this team has enough scoring option in other positions, specially if D-MO will be there as the most polished and best offensive player at the moment. So it's a team who basically relies on 5-3 positions and Kalnietis. This team doesn't even really need Kleiza if all the best players comes - JV, D-MO, Maciulis, Kuzminskas, Kalnietis, Jankunas, Seibutis and I even would say Sabonis. Some guys here would argue with that, but Domantas is growing and developing very fast. He does have a ready to go physicality, he already has some experience with NT and he seem to be fearless. So I really wouldn't be much surprised he will make Olympic team.
As for new players who could be close to the NT, we should look at the each position, and I would say Lekavicius, Grigonis, Giedraitis. Lekavicius because he's clearly the best PG prospect in Lithuania and I don't see anyone close even if Lakavicius still has a long way to go. Grigonis and Giedraitis because they can upgrade position 2. At least Grigonis for sure while Giedraitis probably is natural 3 in my eyes, but if he'll improve his feet work and will become a bit more sharper he could play 2 as well. But again those guys will be legit candidates only for 2017 Eurobasket, IMO.
As for Olympics it's really not a time to integrate young blood unless obviously ripen talented player. Current NT is not guard orientated team. Aside Kalnietis who is very vital because of playmaking ability, there's JV, Maciulis, Jankunas, Kuzminskas as the main contributers. Seibutis surely will be in a puzzle, but this team has enough scoring option in other positions, specially if D-MO will be there as the most polished and best offensive player at the moment. So it's a team who basically relies on 5-3 positions and Kalnietis. This team doesn't even really need Kleiza if all the best players comes - JV, D-MO, Maciulis, Kuzminskas, Kalnietis, Jankunas, Seibutis and I even would say Sabonis. Some guys here would argue with that, but Domantas is growing and developing very fast. He does have a ready to go physicality, he already has some experience with NT and he seem to be fearless. So I really wouldn't be much surprised he will make Olympic team.
As for new players who could be close to the NT, we should look at the each position, and I would say Lekavicius, Grigonis, Giedraitis. Lekavicius because he's clearly the best PG prospect in Lithuania and I don't see anyone close even if Lakavicius still has a long way to go. Grigonis and Giedraitis because they can upgrade position 2. At least Grigonis for sure while Giedraitis probably is natural 3 in my eyes, but if he'll improve his feet work and will become a bit more sharper he could play 2 as well. But again those guys will be legit candidates only for 2017 Eurobasket, IMO.