2023 Lithuanian NT

[zalias]

sirvydis has been very impressive. he is knocking down threes consistenly, but also showing flashes of playmaking. he could end up being a quicker version of grigonis

[Straight forward]

sirvydis has been very impressive. he is knocking down threes consistenly, but also showing flashes of playmaking. he could end up being a quicker version of grigonis

No, he's not quicker than Grigonis. And overall comparison doesn't make sense. Unless you meant the quickness of the shot, then I would agree.

[Straight forward]

Bendzius so far works nicely as stretch 4. Off course, if his trigger will get cold he's basically useless, but good signs so far. JV is still not very good passing off the double team, but not horrible either. With Jokubaitis on the court the offense runs smoothly. Liked Sirvydis and Sedekerskis passing, Jogela's. This team will be more fun than it seems looking at the sheer roster.

[zalias]

how does it not make sense? they're both sg/sf players who can shoot and make plays with the ball for others.

[Straight forward]

how does it not make sense? they're both sg/sf players who can shoot and make plays with the ball for others.

Grigonis pure SG, Sirvydis is SF and I don't think we'll see him playing a single minute at 2. Different positions. That's where it ends basically. Grigonis has incomparably more handles, quicker, more agile at both ends, has much more facilitation game and versatility in terms of scoring.

[zalias]

this team plays no defense, just like before, except its also not as talented offensively

[Straight forward]

this team plays no defense, just like before, except its also not as talented offensively

Pretty much so. But generally team looks more refreshing than I thought. Goergia played optimal rotation basically, we rotated all players. Obviously we are not gonna be good defensive team, but offense runs pretty nicely. Jokubaitis is ready to have big tournament. Maksvytis just has to find proper usage for first 2 games against Egypt and Mexico. Rokas shouldn't play more than 20min. just to have him fresh against Montengro (probably will have to play 30min.) and second group. I only didn't get why he changed his FTs shooting mode slightly, it doesn't make sense.

Respect for Maksvytis drawing correct set for the last possession. Jokubaitis imitates pick and roll action, gives the ball to Iggy, JV sets the screen just to switch the defenders and Iggy playing ISO. It happened to be difficult shot, but the idea is very good.

Jogela continues to impress. That confidence, that three. He doesn't look worse than Normantas. It's an open competition between Normantas, Giedraitis, Jogela.

[Hepcat]

this team plays no defense, just like before....

I agree. Allowing an opponent 102 points is not a blueprint for victory. And completely blowing an 18 point lead with just 7 minutes to play is very worrisome.

[Straight forward]

Oh, Jogela had been cut...Unexpected, but probably logical choice. E. Zukauskas also out.

I keep hearing that we are "fragile at 1-2" positions, but no Marciulionis to the main camp...Come on, Maksvytis Mark my words, Kariniauskas will be complete trash against serious teams.

And seems Tubelis out too who happens to be still injured...Too bad, Maldunas is complete trash. This is more than a joke to go with barely Eurocup level player...I would go with Tarolis or both out.

[Hepcat]

Oh, Jogela had been cut...Unexpected, but probably logical choice.

I'm very surprised. Matas Jogėla looked really good compared to most of the guards so far. Maybe it was his 7 turnovers in the last two games....

[Straight forward]

That's the only way Lithuania capable to make do or die shot

https://twitter.com/ltu_basketball/status/1686449590457745411

[Shawshank]

Valanciunas said it correctly what is the diffrence between 2010s and 2020s generation players : Its fighting character and never giving up in 2010s players


In 2010s NTs

If game is close,they would find a way to win 3 of 4 similiar type games. Because they would make multiple stops when in mattered,make gutsy plays like falling on the ground for lose ball, had bunch of street smart players and grind the wins in such way



2020s NT

have a more offensive tallent,but weak characters,very little street smart players and just way too much below average defensive players.



How NT 2023 can make stops with starting 5 lineup like today : Jonas,Bendzius,Jokubaitis,Brazdeikis,Normantas ?

Im sorry even Kazlauskas couldnt built no real defence with such below average 4 defenders in same lineup.



I want Dimsa in all critical,chalenging moments when NT will look in panick mode in 2023 champ. Dude simply is not loosing his head and has feeling where to be similiar like Arnas. All those endings 2023 Dimsa played in euroleague,he learned alot


Good coach desicion put Jokubaitis,Brazdeikis,Dimsa together on last posssesion. I trust Dimsa can make wide open jumshot too in endings,if teams gonna risk it will come from him in that lineup.

[zalias]

i wouldnt be surprised if giedraitis ends up going to the world cup. he's imo by far the best perimeter defender on this team and that's what they desperately need

[Hepcat]

I'd be aghast. I've been hearing about Giedraitis' "defensive skills" only very recently from hardcore Žalgiris fans. I'm to say the least sceptical. It strikes me as simple prevarication to distract from his forgettable EFF numbers.

[Hepcat]

Rating the performance of the various Lithuanian players against Georgia:

EXCELLENT

PLAYER	MINUTES	EFFICIENCY
Jonas Valančiūnas	25:39	32
Rokas Jokubaitis	24:13	24
Deividas Sirvydis	11:28	10
Margiris Normantas	11:47	9

GOOD

PLAYER	MINUTES	EFFICIENCY
Tadas Sedekerskis	15:38	8
Tomas Dimša	17:02	7
Ignas Brazdeikis	22:41	9
Matas Jogėla	17:56	7

FAIR

PLAYER	MINUTES	EFFICIENCY
Eimantas Bendžius	20:52	5

BAD

PLAYER	MINUTES	EFFICIENCY
Dovydas Giedraitis	14:53	2
Gabrielius Maldūnas	8;53	-1
Donatas Tarolis	8.58	-1

And defence today? Somehow I don't think any was played.