After 14 years in the NBA, the captain of the Lithuanian national team, who returned to his homeland, was surpassed by only one, but not a player, but a coach.
We present the top ten compiled by “Mundo Deportivo”.
1. Željko Obradović (“Panathinaikos”)
Obradović’s return to Panathinaikos carries immense symbolic weight. The coach signed a three-year contract with the club where he won five EuroLeague titles from 1999 to 2012. Along with him, Mike Batiste returns to the club as an assistant, and Dimitris Diamantidis as one of the managers. With the additions of Isaac Bonga, Moustapha Fall, and Guerschon Yabusele, this project expects quick results.
2. Jonas Valančiūnas (“Žalgiris”)
Valančiūnas’ return to Lithuania is one of the biggest news in Baltic basketball. After a solid NBA career, the center returns to his homeland and will be a dominant force under the basket in Kaunas. His rebounding, experience, and physicality will greatly enhance “Žalgiris”‘ quality. With this move, “Žalgiris” maintains its identity and adds much-needed strength under the basket.
3. Shane Larkin (“Fenerbahçe”)
Larkin’s move from “Anadolu Efes” to “Fenerbahçe” disrupted the balance in Turkey. After eight seasons with “Efes”, where he won two EuroLeague titles, the point guard joined another city team. Despite recent injury problems, his play remains that of a top-level defender, providing a valuable weapon for Šarūnas Jasikevičius.
4. Guerschon Yabusele (“Panathinaikos”)
The French forward returns to Europe after his NBA stint, signing a three-year contract with “Panathinaikos”. Yabusele will provide the team with physical strength, mobility, and long-range shooting. His arrival will allow coaches to use dynamic and versatile lineups and strengthen a very competitive frontcourt in Obradović’s system.
5. Jean Montero (“Olympiakos”)
“Olympiakos” signed a three-year contract with the Dominican after his wonderful season at “Valencia”. The 23-year-old guard arrives fresh from being named to the EuroLeague’s symbolic team of the season. The Piraeus team adds a dynamic playmaker with exceptional playmaking abilities – a profile that perfectly complements the solid structure of the Greek squad.
Read more Substantial prizes for Kėdainiai’s most diligent graduates for their perfect scores
6. Pedro Martinez (“Real”)
Real Madrid begins a new era with Pedro Martinez at the helm. The Spanish coach, valued for optimizing resources and an effective playing system, paid a buyout to “Valencia” club and accepts the challenge of coaching a team in one of Europe’s most demanding organizations. His experience in Madrid is seen as a guarantee of stability and one of the reasons why the contract was signed.
7. Dario Šarić (“Anadolu Efes”)
After ten seasons in the NBA, the Croatian forward returned to Europe, signing a two-year contract with an option to extend for another year. Having played almost 500 games across the Atlantic, Šarić will provide coach Pablo Laso with his versatility, ability to play with his back to the basket, and shoot from long range. With this move, the Istanbul team hopes to gain a new identity in the frontcourt.
8. TJ Shorts (“Valencia”)
“Valencia” begins a rebuilding process by entrusting the point guard duties to TJ Shorts. The American point guard with a North Macedonian passport signed a two-year contract. With key perimeter players having left the team, Shorts will take on a significant role and try to maintain the team’s highly dynamic pace of play.
9. Sylvain Francisco (ASVEL)
After a memorable season with “Žalgiris”, where he was one of the most effective point guards in the EuroLeague, the French point guard joined ASVEL Villeurbanne. However, his future with the team remains uncertain. Recent reports of ASVEL’s financial problems have led to renewed interest from “Panathinaikos” in buying out the guard.
10. Tony Parker (ASVEL)
Tony Parker made an unconventional move – becoming the head coach of the club he owns. This move coincided with a significant increase in the club’s budget, which is now causing much concern. Parker will bring top-level game experience to the sidelines, but it is still difficult to say how well he will be able to translate that into coaching.
Read more Nerijus Mačiulis explained why prices in Lithuania are rising almost the fastest in the EU
