Euroleague 21/22

[Toruko]

Efes is playing against Tofas in the first game of the Gloria Cup in Antalya. Petrusev is unfortunately not ready for Euroleague it seems. Tons of positioning mistakes, contact in the low post is there but his second moves cause always fouls. His rolling habits are solid always available for the pass and touch around the rim doesnt look half bad.

[Toruko]

Zalgiris lost to a weak Tofas with 71:57. Mudiay looked like he needs 3 month to get in shape. He looked tired after 10 minutes. Its a very weak team defensively. The hard game of Zalgiris wont be happening in the form we know anymore. I think the biggest concern after Mudiay is the creation of the wings. Very limited guys...

[Toruko]

Efes destroyed Kuban and played a certain time perfect transition bb.

[janketa]

For the first time in last couple of seasons I don't see clear favorite for the title.

If Pangos came I would say CSKA is a step ahead, but without him they are maybe the best but not that much.

Efes made a mistake with Sanli, but they are still among top3 teams.

Fener is maybe stronger then last season but just because Djordjevic is here. Problem is that he will have to work with Kokoskov's selection of players. Weird man that Kokoskov...

[Obina]

Efes destroyed Kuban and played a certain time perfect transition bb.

And Petrusev looks very good again.

[Serbian_Layup]

Efes destroyed Kuban and played a certain time perfect transition bb.

I read your previous comment about Petrusev and I think you are jumping to conclusions, way too soon.

Petrusev dominated Lokomotiv whether it was low post, transition or p&r. If Ataman's idea is to give Petrusev Sanli's role at first (which seems like that) then it's quite obvious that Petrusev is going to boost Efes' offense to even higher level with Micic and Larkin. If Larkin gets healthy and regain his form, that offensive rating for Efes is going to be wild. Petrusev's defensive weaknesses are nowhere near that damaging comparing to what he brings on offense, and are quite correctable with time and experience. He is not there to replace Dunston on defense, he is there to provide what Sanli did for Efes last season on offense, with exception that Petrusev is even more talented than Sanli and I think will be way more dangerous weapon. Might struggle at first, but material is there, prep games are showing that clearly. Also, definitely becoming more physical, getting into contact more often.

[Straight forward]

Zalgiris lost to a weak Tofas with 71:57. Mudiay looked like he needs 3 month to get in shape. He looked tired after 10 minutes. Its a very weak team defensively. The hard game of Zalgiris wont be happening in the form we know anymore. I think the biggest concern after Mudiay is the creation of the wings. Very limited guys...

Zalgiris barely lost much defensive impact compared to last season. The only serious loss is Hayes at 4. But at the same time Zalgiris improved 3 position with Ulanovas, Giffey which was non existant nearly last season.

Regarding creation, I surely agree. To lose Walkup, Jokubaitis, Grigonis is a lot and Mudiay, Strielniks, Kalnietis won't cover that. But Zalgiris improved shooting at 4 with Cavanaugh and maybe even Giffey.

The way I see it, this team is more or less the same defensively (or just slightly worse), better at shooting and worse in creation.

[Serbian_Layup]

Monaco seems to be the kind of team that will rely heavily on three point shooting, one of those unpredictable teams.

[AmonRA]

it seems that aaron white finished his season with broken hand as it seems, after idiot okaro push him in air

[Toruko]

I read your previous comment about Petrusev and I think you are jumping to conclusions, way too soon.

Petrusev dominated Lokomotiv whether it was low post, transition or p&r. If Ataman's idea is to give Petrusev Sanli's role at first (which seems like that) then it's quite obvious that Petrusev is going to boost Efes' offense to even higher level with Micic and Larkin. If Larkin gets healthy and regain his form, that offensive rating for Efes is going to be wild. Petrusev's defensive weaknesses are nowhere near that damaging comparing to what he brings on offense, and are quite correctable with time and experience. He is not there to replace Dunston on defense, he is there to provide what Sanli did for Efes last season on offense, with exception that Petrusev is even more talented than Sanli and I think will be way more dangerous weapon. Might struggle at first, but material is there, prep games are showing that clearly. Also, definitely becoming more physical, getting into contact more often.

He is talented. There is no doubt about it but I am not sure if he will have this offensive impact that we expect. He surely gets a problem with contact. His stepping and making himself available as a rolling big is great. His shot is way too slow right now. In this point he isnt near Sanli level right now but i want to see him posting up against serious guys in serious games but I agree in time hell be good but this part Efes shouldnt care much.

My projected role for him would be 10-15 minutes in Euroleague games in the second or third quarter. His role can grow with development of course but there still is Singleton who can help out on five.

[Toruko]

I think we will see Smailagic with Euroleague playoff teams very soon. Unexpectedly mobile guy, really surprising performance.

[Toruko]

Zalgiris barely lost much defensive impact compared to last season. The only serious loss is Hayes at 4. But at the same time Zalgiris improved 3 position with Ulanovas, Giffey which was non existant nearly last season.

If you look at the backcourt of Zalgiris there is nobody who can be called a solid defender. An overaged walking TO machine Kalnietis, a defensively non existent Lekavicius, Strelnieks or Giffey are all bad to very bad defenders and cant replace guys like Grigonis and Walkup. I mean it was clear Zalgiris cant replace them but with all needed respect Kuban was more of an EL team than Zalgiris.

[janketa]

I hope we will go for James, now when he is (officially)free agent. Djordjevic could work with him

Him and De Colo would be duo we need

[Obina]

it seems that aaron white finished his season with broken hand as it seems, after idiot okaro push him in air

It looked horrible but there is nothing official yet. He may be ready for 2-3 months.

Anyway huge handicap for Zvezda. This team reminds me on the season 2016/17, huge defensive potential with a lot basketball IQ. We could be a big surprise with some decent add to PF/C position.

[Straight forward]

If you look at the backcourt of Zalgiris there is nobody who can be called a solid defender. An overaged walking TO machine Kalnietis, a defensively non existent Lekavicius, Strelnieks or Giffey are all bad to very bad defenders and cant replace guys like Grigonis and Walkup. I mean it was clear Zalgiris cant replace them but with all needed respect Kuban was more of an EL team than Zalgiris.

Mudiay is projected to be a solid defender. Grigonis is not a good defender. When he wants it, he can play some D, but generally he has to choose one side, he's too soft to be 2 ways.