Lorbek to stay in Europe

[TD 21]

http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/blog_brunner.html

The timing was never right for Erazem Lorbek, a second-round pick of the Pacers in 2005 who became a star in Europe and opted to remain overseas.

[Solid D]

That's not exactly what the linked article says. It says the timing was never right for Lorbek... but whatever.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

His contract ends next year, has a small buyout for this summer.

Perhaps being part of the international friendly Spurs could change his mind on coming over earlier.

[Borat Sagyidev]

And I'm a troll....

[BackHome]

From draft express:


Lorbek's main limitation to play successfully in the NBA is his foot speed, really poor even for a player that tall. As good as he is, he will have trouble scoring against athletic matchups. Defensively it gets even worse. Given the amount of quick power forwards in the NBA, his effectiveness is at best doubtful. Besides, Erazem is a soft player. He doesn't like contact. You won't see him fighting in the muddy waters of the paint. On the contrary, you might see him grabbing a rebound in traffic in the middle of the paint and stepping out to dribble instead of going towards the rim and looking for the basket. The fact is that during his season with the Spartans, he focused more on his perimeter game, losing some versatility that he had showed before. It looks like the physical game played in college didn't fit too well with his lack of aggressiveness and strength. Those limitations, along with his average vertical jump, keep him far away from being a rebounding or blocking force in the league.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Erazem-Lorbek-30/#ixzz1Q9q5kZmU
http://www.draftexpress.com

[ALVAREZ6]

fuck this guy, dude is an absolute bust

[Sigz]

sounds like a pussy, just like Bonner.

[cd98]

From draft express:


Lorbek's main limitation to play successfully in the NBA is his foot speed, really poor even for a player that tall. As good as he is, he will have trouble scoring against athletic matchups. Defensively it gets even worse. Given the amount of quick power forwards in the NBA, his effectiveness is at best doubtful. Besides, Erazem is a soft player. He doesn't like contact. You won't see him fighting in the muddy waters of the paint. On the contrary, you might see him grabbing a rebound in traffic in the middle of the paint and stepping out to dribble instead of going towards the rim and looking for the basket. The fact is that during his season with the Spartans, he focused more on his perimeter game, losing some versatility that he had showed before. It looks like the physical game played in college didn't fit too well with his lack of aggressiveness and strength. Those limitations, along with his average vertical jump, keep him far away from being a rebounding or blocking force in the league.


From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Erazem-Lorbek-30/#ixzz1Q9q5kZmU

http://www.draftexpress.com


I've never seen DraftExpress not be able to at least say something positive about a player. This has got to be the worst critique ever. Sounds like we'll never see this guy stateside.

[Solid D]

That write-up was 6 years ago. Meanwhile, he's been playing against top European talent for several years...including playing for CSKA and Barca the last couple of years. He's not a strong post player but he's skilled and knows how to play.

[Pero]

That write-up was 6 years ago. Meanwhile, he's been playing against top European talent for several years...including playing for CSKA and Barca the last couple of years. He's not a strong post player but he's skilled and knows how to play.

Yup. Was All-Euroleague 2nd team in 2008 and Eurobasket 2009 best starting five in the meantime. I think he regressed a bit in Barcelona though. Also I don't believe he can play in the NBA, just not athletic enough. I guess he's like Duncan without athleticism and poorer defense. :lol

[GSH]

His contract ends next year, has a small buyout for this summer.

Perhaps being part of the international friendly Spurs could change his mind on coming over earlier.

Pop's reputation for keeping first year players on the bench isn't helping in that department. Lorbek has it really good right now. Coming here to sit? Why, unless there's a lot more money involved?

[Spursfan092120]

From draft express:


Lorbek's main limitation to play successfully in the NBA is his foot speed, really poor even for a player that tall. As good as he is, he will have trouble scoring against athletic matchups. Defensively it gets even worse. Given the amount of quick power forwards in the NBA, his effectiveness is at best doubtful. Besides, Erazem is a soft player. He doesn't like contact. You won't see him fighting in the muddy waters of the paint. On the contrary, you might see him grabbing a rebound in traffic in the middle of the paint and stepping out to dribble instead of going towards the rim and looking for the basket. The fact is that during his season with the Spartans, he focused more on his perimeter game, losing some versatility that he had showed before. It looks like the physical game played in college didn't fit too well with his lack of aggressiveness and strength. Those limitations, along with his average vertical jump, keep him far away from being a rebounding or blocking force in the league.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Erazem-Lorbek-30/#ixzz1Q9q5kZmU
http://www.draftexpress.com

sooooooo...basically he sucks?

[ChumpDumper]

lol 2005 profile

[velik_m]

Lorbek made big progress in last couple of years, but he did regress this year somewhat IMO. Still he was the best man for Barca in finals this year, he played very inspired at Euro 2009 (as good as Gasol), so he can play good game. But he is too unathletic for NBA, then again i never though Beno can stick in the nba, so what do i know...

[velik_m]

Lorbek @Euro2009:
AoWW_E5BRBU

Lorbek @Barca:
IRv29A-9fkA

[Kobayagi]

Lorbek is never coming over. He said that several times. Not interested in NBA. Besides, Euroleague suits his style better.

[hater]

why would he come to NBA when he could be the man in Europe and make same money. Fucking Fail :pctoss

[wildbill2u]

If we got the rights to Lorbek as a throw-in, it may never mean much since the lure of the NBA simply isn't there for some players who prefer to be big frogs in a little pond now that the salaries plus perks in Europe can be better than the NBA for all but superstars.

Watching the highlight videos (which you can never trust), it seems he is in the Pau Gasol model--a big guy who can finish around the rim with an assortment of moves and shots. Highlight reels never show defense or rebounding so he may be a complete sloth in those regards, but there are lots of big men who have played roles in the NBA without a complete skillset.

Buford had some very nice things to say about his Euro playing record in the interview but he always qualifies the lower round pick with a 'the coaches will decide if he can play at this level" statement.

[k_nguyen93]

Lorbek is never coming over. He said that several times. Not interested in NBA. Besides, Euroleague suits his style better.

You have to think RC did his homework on the guy. He wouldn't want a random throw in unless there was at least a chance the guy would pan out.


On August 18, 2009 he was transferred to Liga ACB (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liga_ACB) club FC Barcelona (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Barcelona_B%C3%A0squet) for an undisclosed fee.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erazem_Lorbek#cite_note-2) He signed a three-year contract with the possibility to leave and join NBA after his second year. ???

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

@sJacas
Jačas
Spurs acquired rights on Lorbek as some sort of filler? Geniuses. He's gonna join them next year.

http://twitter.com/#!/sJacas/status/84275667881046016

[Thompson]

@sJacas
Jačas
Spurs acquired rights on Lorbek as some sort of filler? Geniuses. He's gonna join them next year.

http://twitter.com/#!/sJacas/status/84275667881046016

Who is this person? Someone who would actually have knowledge of the situation, or just some random guy?

Also, does anyone know Lorbek's measurements? Is he a legitimate center or another 6'8" guy?

[Solid D]

REGAL FCB holds onto Lorbek
Announced today after the draft.

http://www.euroleague.net/euroleaguenews/transactions/2011-12-signings

http://static.euroleague.net/rs/28854/7dd1e5a9-6d1e-44ba-805c-0858188b732f/7c3/filename/erazem-lorbek-regal-barcelona.jpg

June 24, 2011

Spanish champions Regal F.C. Barcelona announced Friday that center Erazem Lorbek will wear its jersey again next season after an option on his contract was picked up by the club. Lorbek (2.08 meters, 27 years old) and Barcelona won the Euroleague title together in 2010, his first season with the club. Last season, Lorbek was solid as ever, scoring 8.4 points with good shooting percentages across the board in 21 minutes per game. He scored the second-most points and pulled the third-most rebounds for Barcelona while making 56.5% of his two-point shots, 37.1% of his three-pointers and 72.2% of his free throws. After eight seasons with six different clubs, Lorbek ranks 30th among all Euroleague players since 2000 in points scored and 22nd in rebounds. Lorbek is a former Euroleague Rising Star Trophy winner, back in 2004, and has since become a two-time All-Euroleague selection, in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

[Solid D]

Picking up the option was a no-brainer. Even if there is an NBA out-clause, it was necessary for Barca to have Lorbek under contract in order to negotiate/collect any early out fees.

[ChumpDumper]

Lorbek is listed at 2.10 meters, which is just shy of 6'11".

This is the best picture I could find so far to compare his height with Rasho's.

http://www.bokinachbar.com/uploads/images/eurobasket2005.jpg
2005 Eurobasket

[Ozzy]

Lorbek vs Croatia - Eurobasket 2009 quarterfinals - nice showing of his skills.
As has been mentioned before his defense might not be stellar, but he is quite a fighter and doesn't let other people push him around easily.

iGL9QhhoW7k


Also, iirc Splitter and Lorbek went one against another for most of the time in 2010 ACB finals (CajaLaboral vs Regal FC Barcelona). If anybody has a chance to dig those games up somewhere ...
They were both also selected in the 2009/2010 all-ACB team. Splitter at C, Lorbek at PF.

[Knoxxx]

Actually seems to have a very complete offensive game. Not a dunker which fits the Spurs. Looks effective off the dribble, good shooting touch with range, and has some actual post moves unlike Splitter who was painful at times to watch when chucking ugly "hook shots" (and that's charitable) over his shoulder which was his only apparent post move. Also Splitter can't shoot a lick which I can't fathom for that kind of dough you'd think he'd practice more.

[Texas_Ranger]

Now it's 100% he'll stay in Europe and play for Barca next season. :madrun

[Biggems]

Sabonis came over when he was a shell of his former self and had no athleticism, yet played pretty darn good. He relied heavily on skill and positioning....of course Sabonis wasn't afraid to get dirty in the paint.....If Lorbek is willing to get down and dirty in the low post, even without the athleticism, bring him over. However, if he is going to just be a big softy, no matter what his skill level, nevermind. We need tough bigs.

[Solid D]

Now it's 100% he'll stay in Europe and play for Barca next season. :madrun

The one caveat being if there is an "NBA out clause" in his existing contract with penalty. If there is a clause in it like that...then it behooved Barca to exercise their option to renew for 1 more year. If the team had chosen to let him go, there would be no fee.

[Marcus Bryant]

The next great Slovene sensation. Grand.

[Bruno]

Spurs mainly need a defensive minded bigman. If Spurs can get one through trade or FA, they should try to convince Lorbek to sign with them this summer providing his contract has a NBA opt out clause. Lorbek would be an upgrade over Bonner and Blair.

[tdunk21]

http://www.projectspurs.com/2011-articles/june/lorbek-extends-contract-with-spanish-team.html

Spurs' Lorbek extends contract with Spanish team



Spurs' Lorbek exLast Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs acquired the draft rights for Erazem Lorbek in a deal for guard George Hill. Lorbek was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2005 with the 46th pick, but has yet to set foot in the NBA. According to Sports Haze, Lorbek has opted to extend his contract for one more season with his Spanish club Regal FC Barcelona.

FC Barcelona and Slovenian player Erazem Lorbek has reached an agreement extending contract for a third season.

Lorbekjoined Regal FC Barcelona on in August 2009 from CSKA Moscow. The Slovene is a big physical presence and also an accurate exterior shooter. With Regal Barcelona Lorbek won all titles possible: 1 Euroleague, 1 ACB league, 2 King's Cups, 2 Super Cups and 2 Catalan Leagues.

On draft night, I was present when Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford talked about acquiring Lorbeks draft rights. He talked about Lorbek's accomplishments overseas and even said he hoped to see him in a Spurs uniform at some time.

"He’s a very-very effective player and one that we have hope for getting into San Antonio at some point in the future,” Buford said Thursday night.

There's not much time, as Lorbek recently turned 27-years old in late February. If he stays in Spain for another season the Spurs would be entertaining the though of bringing him in as a 28-year old alongside a Tim Duncan that could be on his way out, or have just one to two seasons left on his body.

Lorbek is a 6'11" center who averaged 8.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season with FC Barcelona. tends contract with Spanish team

[ElNono]

Oh, well...

He wasn't very good anyways, he probably asked the Spurs to start and get guaranteed minutes. Plus we have Blair who is only going to get better defensively as seasons go by. Fuck him, I never liked him anyways

Did I do it right? :lol

[Bruno]

So now blogs post news one week later and, in top of that, they are wrong. :rolleyes

Lorbek hasn't extended his contract. His contract just had a team option and Barcelona picked it.

[TimmehC]

Eh, doesn't matter. The lockout would make the Spurs miss the buyout window anyhow.

[joshdaboss]

This guy is a scrub. I doubt he ever plays 1 NBA minute.

[Ice009]

3.6 rebounds wtf. I know assists are done different over in Europe, but how do they do rebounds?

[Kobayagi]

3.6 rebounds in NBA = 24,15 rebounds in Europe as per KBP.

[Ice009]

3.6 rebounds in NBA = 24,15 rebounds in Europe as per KBP.

lol you may have got that wrong.

KBP would probably say 3.6 rebounds in Europe = 15 in the NBA.

[Solid D]

The NBA/FIBA & ULEB minutes conversion factor remains at 1.2 but KBP says it's all lies.

[stxspurs]

Lorbek is listed at 2.10 meters, which is just shy of 6'11".

This is the best picture I could find so far to compare his height with Rasho's.

http://www.bokinachbar.com/uploads/images/eurobasket2005.jpg
2005 Eurobasket

wtf??? are they the rockford peaches????

[mando6599]

Lorbek vs Croatia - Eurobasket 2009 quarterfinals - nice showing of his skills.
As has been mentioned before his defense might not be stellar, but he is quite a fighter and doesn't let other people push him around easily.

iGL9QhhoW7k


Also, iirc Splitter and Lorbek went one against another for most of the time in 2010 ACB finals (CajaLaboral vs Regal FC Barcelona). If anybody has a chance to dig those games up somewhere ...
They were both also selected in the 2009/2010 all-ACB team. Splitter at C, Lorbek at PF.

Looks like Lorbek might fit in with the Popovich haters here. At 3:34 he gets up and blocks Popovich, I mean Popovic. Maybe we have something here? :lol

[Kobayagi]

lol you may have got that wrong.

KBP would probably say 3.6 rebounds in Europe = 15 in the NBA.

Yup, that's what I meant.

[Vic Petro]

wtf??? are they the rockford peaches????

:lol

[Slomo]

wtf??? are they the rockford peaches????

I don't get it?

Are you insinuating they're somehow feminine? If so you have a strange taste in women.

[objective]

So now blogs post news one week later and, in top of that, they are wrong. :rolleyes

Lorbek hasn't extended his contract. His contract just had a team option and Barcelona picked it.

if you liked that blog piece, check out their podcast, you'll love it and learn things. Like how Corey Joseph (6'3.25") is too undersized to play back up point guard.

[Bruno]

if you liked that blog piece, check out their podcast, you'll love it and learn things. Like how Corey Joseph (6'3.25") is too undersized to play back up point guard.

I don't have the courage to listen at blogs podcasts. :lol

The problem with blogger is that they have no inside access and, while most of them knows and likes basketball, they aren't basketball experts. Reading blog entries is then kind of a waste of time.

Blogs go from uninteresting to annoying when they start kissing their own ass while they just copy/paste news form other websites and while these news are often posted hours or days before on ST or some other forums.

[Vic Petro]

I don't get it?

Are you insinuating they're somehow feminine? If so you have a strange taste in women.

In A League Of Their Own, the Rockford Peaches took a team photo where the players were arranged in the exact same way. The pose is eerily similar and I'll always identify it with that movie.

[Slomo]

In A League Of Their Own, the Rockford Peaches took a team photo where the players were arranged in the exact same way. The pose is eerily similar and I'll always identify it with that movie.

:lol

I was really confused by the post - couldn't figure out the comparison to a girl baseball team.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

I thought it was funny...

[SPURadic]

I see Mehmet Okur part II. Slow, no D, some post moves, shoots with range.

[Rito3d30]

E.Lorbek unsure about Eurobasket

Getting traded by Indiana Pacers to San Antonio Spurs has opened up new possibilities for the Slovenian star who will take everything into consideration before making any decisions.
Lorbek said "My wish is to play in NBA. Every basketball player dreams of this. Barcelona wants to renew my contract. There is a problem with playing for the National Team and this concerns me," and continued "I'm undecided, I will wait for Barcelona's offer as this will be 'the contract of my life' and then I will decide what and how I will do."


http://www.talkbasket.net/5833-e-lorbek-unsure-about-eurobasket.html

[Kobayagi]

Just trying to squeeze as much out of Barcelona as possible. He has no real intentions of playing in the NBA.

[benefactor]

You're probably right. If he truly want's to come over there will be a workable out clause in his new contract.

[Bruno]

The lockout is killing the few chances Spurs had to add Lorbek to their team. It truly sucks. Spurs' fans are condemned to see 20-25mpg of Bonner next year. Awesome!

[ChumpDumper]

Why would Lorbek come over this year regardless of the lockout? Does he have a favorable buyout clause in his current contract?

[Bill_Brasky]

Damn this lockout....even if he was considering coming over he definitely won't be anymore.....sucks because this guy somewhat reminded me of Randolph with the his good below the basket game....not sure if he can rebound as well though.

[Texas_Ranger]

Lorbek is a fucking traitor... Now he also does't wants to play for our NT, stupid piece of shit. He can go fuck himself!

[Bruno]

Why would Lorbek come over this year regardless of the lockout? Does he have a favorable buyout clause in his current contract?

It seems that he has an opt out clause for the NBA in his contract:
http://www.as.com/baloncesto/articulo/lorbek-firma-regal-fc-barcelona/20090818dasdasbal_2/Tes

[DPG21920]

Just a related aside: Under the old CBA, I'm not sure if many around her knew that a team could actually contribute more than 500K towards a players buyout overseas. The 500K comes from that being the amount a team can contribute without it counting against the cap. If you have cap space, you can contribute more than 500K, but it counts against the cap.

Just a random thing.

[Kobayagi]

Lorbek is a fucking traitor... Now he also does't wants to play for our NT, stupid piece of shit. He can go fuck himself!


I pitty the people who think that playing for one's country is the single most important thing in an athlete's life.

[bluebellmaniac]

I don't understand why everyone is so disappointed that he's interested in playing next year and getting paid. The NBA might not play so he's just doing what any of us would do. If we could do what we love and do well and get paid really good for it versus sit on our butts not getting paid, then I think we would go the paid route. Why is everyone so concerned (in a negative way) that he has intelligence enough to figure this out?

Sounds like there is an opt-out clause in his contract. But even if it doesn't have an opt-out, he signed a 1 yr deal for a reason. He's coming over. So the calvary is on it's way, piece by piece. Patience Spurs faithful, patience.

[mystargtr34]

Just a related aside: Under the old CBA, I'm not sure if many around her knew that a team could actually contribute more than 500K towards a players buyout overseas. The 500K comes from that being the amount a team can contribute without it counting against the cap. If you have cap space, you can contribute more than 500K, but it counts against the cap.

Just a random thing.

Good stuff.. i never knew that

[ChumpDumper]

Kind of like the morons that think the NBA is something special.It's special enough that Greeks can't play in it.

[Bill_Brasky]

I pitty the people who think that playing for one's country is the single most important thing in an athlete's life.

Exactly....playing for free for a country because you happened to be born in a certain place....

[The ADMIRAL 50]

I don't understand why everyone is so disappointed that he's interested in playing next year and getting paid. The NBA might not play so he's just doing what any of us would do. If we could do what we love and do well and get paid really good for it versus sit on our butts not getting paid, then I think we would go the paid route. Why is everyone so concerned (in a negative way) that he has intelligence enough to figure this out?

Sounds like there is an opt-out clause in his contract. But even if it doesn't have an opt-out, he signed a 1 yr deal for a reason. He's coming over. So the calvary is on it's way, piece by piece. Patience Spurs faithful, patience.

That first paragraph was spot on. I don't know if he'll ever be a Spur but I certainly agree that remaining in europe for at least this year with its financial security and his established strength as a player over there is his best option

[Ozzy]

http://www.talkbasket.net/5833-e-lorbek-unsure-about-eurobasket.html


This is a shortened quote of what Lorbek said here (in Slovene): http://www.siol.net/sportal/kosarka/2011/07/bo_moral_erazem_lorbek_izpustiti_ep_v_litvi.aspx


Whats its interesting is that he opens up with this sentence (talking about the trade):

With this change of rights the NBA has become much more appealing to me.

[ChumpDumper]

What does USA Basketball pay the Team USA players?

Give us a link to the amounts.

Thanks in advance.

[Interrohater]

What does USA Basketball pay the Team USA players?

Give us a link to the amounts.

Thanks in advance.
Virgins, Gold and Myrrh

[jjktkk]

Kind of like the only moron on here that thinks Greek players are something special.

[Bruno]

BTW, what is the reason why Lorbek won't play with Slovenia this summer?

[Kamnik]

Probably fear of getting injured and earning less $.

[Bruno]

Probably fear of getting injured and earning less $.

Wow, that's lame. Lorbek has still earned some serious money by playing in Europe and the 2011 Eurobasket is important with the Olympic games in London as goal.

[Kamnik]

Wow, that's lame. Lorbek has still earned some serious money by playing in Europe and the 2011 Eurobasket is important with the Olympic games in London as goal.

Exactly. He earned a lot in the last few years so $ should not be an excuse.

I am going to Lithuania with my friends; across Europe to support them and now the best player won't play... :rolleyes

[Bruno]

I am going to Lithuania with my friends; across Europe to support them and now the best player won't play... :rolleyes

Even if Slovenia doesn't do well in this tournament, Lithuania is a great place for an Eurobasket. It should be fun.

[Kamnik]

Even if Slovenia doesn't do well in this tournament, Lithuania is a great place for an Eurobasket. It should be fun.

This is what makes me feel a little better - a country which is crazy about basketball, cheep beer and good friends - can't be bad! :toast

[Ozzy]

BTW, what is the reason why Lorbek won't play with Slovenia this summer?

Nobody knows the real reason... First he was saying that Barcelona does not let him. Then Lakovic completely destroyed his alibi by saying that in his five years stint with Barca they never said anything to him about not playing for the national team. And of course Navarro will play for Spain.

Then today Lorbek called NT coach Maljkovic 15 minutes before official NT get together and said he decided not to play and started with an excuse that he has an option to go to NBA. Maljkovic simply interrupted him and said: "Thank you. You do not have to expain yourself. I have to think about the players that are here."
(Lorbek and some other star players actually got some additional time off and were scheduled to join the NT on the 19th of July, but today was the first get together and beginning of the training camp for most of the team. Lakovic, who is also scheduled to join the team on the 19th, actually came to greet everyone. Lorbek, on the other hand, called 15 minutes before the meeting to opt out.)

Sadly, the decision actually probably came from Lorbek's father, who was (well, still is but with much less influence) quite an important person in Slovenian basketball and is still trying to play politics through his son(s). (Various stories circle around in Slovenia, but lets not go into details.)



Erazem really went from hero to zero today in Slovenia.


It wasn't for the fact that he decided not to play. It was because he waited till the last possible minute. Last year he said that he was too tired after a long season and he can't play, but that he will be playing for sure this year. He was still singing that tune in January when Maljkovic was selected as the new head coach of NT... Nobody and really nobody had anything against Lorbek last year. We were of course all disappointed, but nobody resented him. This today, however, was quite unprofessional...


Hmmm, I guess this was a short look into the wonderful world of the repeating story of Slovenian "superstars" looking for every possible excuse to avoid playing for the NT. (Luckily not all of them are like that.... nothing but respect for Lakovic, Dragic, Nachbar, Jagodnik, Rasho, ...)

EDIT: Apparently Lorbek's decision really pissed some people in Slovenian basketball federation as they have announced that they will give additional info about this case to the press in one or two days.

[Bruno]

Then today Lorbek called NT coach Maljkovic 15 minutes before official NT get together and said he decided not to play and started with an excuse that he has an option to go to NBA. Maljkovic simply interrupted him and said: "Thank you. You do not have to expain yourself. I have to think about the players that are here."

Classic Maljkovic :lol

The NBA option is interesting because if it's true, it's Spurs.
Lorbek being part of the Hill trade isn't a coincidence. Spurs wanted him and I can see them telling just before the lockout that they would offer him a contract when there will have a new CBA. It will be interesting to keep an eye on Barcelona's move this summer.



Erazem really went from hero to zero today in Slovenia.


It wasn't for the fact that he decided not to play. It was because he waited till the last possible minute. Last year he said that he was too tired after a long season and he can't play, but that he will be playing for sure this year. He was still singing that tune in January when Maljkovic was selected as the new head coach of NT... Nobody and really nobody had anything against Lorbek last year. We were of course all disappointed, but nobody resented him. This today, however, was quite unprofessional...


Hmmm, I guess this was a short look into the wonderful world of the repeating story of Slovenian "superstars" looking for every possible excuse to avoid playing for the NT. (Luckily not all of them are like that.... nothing but respect for Lakovic, Dragic, Nachbar, Jagodnik, Rasho, ...)

It's surely frustrating to be a fan of Slovenian NT. So much talent and upside but it never really worked out. I still remember how great whey were a the 2009 Eurobasket despite being without a lot of key players.

[mountainballer]

why am I not surprised that KBP pulls out a Greek player who is ten times better at being whatever.

[DesignatedT]

Diamantidis sucks

[ChumpDumper]

If Slovenes think Lorbek is a punk, imagine what Greeks think about Dimitris Diamantidis.

Diamantidis is Euroleague Defender of the Year, MVP of Euroleague, wins a Euroleague championship, is MVP of Euroleague Final Four, wins a Greek Championship..............

and he refuses to play for Greek national team because "in the national team the coaches always make Spanoulis the first option in the offense. I will not play unless I am made first option."

Diamantidis is like 10 times a bigger punk than Lorbek is.Link to that direct quote, please.

Thanks in advance.

[Darkwaters]

why am I not surprised that KBP pulls out a Greek player who is ten times better at being whatever.

And of course it revolves around our old friend Vaginas Spanoulis.

[irdab]

FC Barcelona forward Erazem Lorbek is seriously thinking about playing in the NBA

http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20110711/baloncesto/acb/lorbek-piensa-en-la-nba_54184581908.html

looks like a contract tactic!!!!

[Kamnik]

If Slovenes think Lorbek is a punk, imagine what Greeks think about Dimitris Diamantidis.

Diamantidis is Euroleague Defender of the Year, MVP of Euroleague, wins a Euroleague championship, is MVP of Euroleague Final Four, wins a Greek Championship..............

and he refuses to play for Greek national team because "in the national team the coaches always make Spanoulis the first option in the offense. I will not play unless I am made first option."

Diamantidis is like 10 times a bigger punk than Lorbek is.

In other words:

Diamantidis=Udrih (strictly in attitude, not in skill)


Seriously fuck Lorbek, this is a PUNK move and he was one of my favourite players in the world!!!

FURTHERMORE, if he actually joins the Spurs it won't give me 1/10 the joy as if he would play this summer - in that version I would be as excited for a new Spurs season as never before.

[Bruno]

FC Barcelona forward Erazem Lorbek is seriously thinking about playing in the NBA

http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20110711/baloncesto/acb/lorbek-piensa-en-la-nba_54184581908.html

looks like a contract tactic!!!!

It could be a lot of things:
- Lorbek being genuinely interested in Spurs.
- Lorbek using Spurs to get a big contract from Barcelona.
- Lorbek using Spurs as an excuse to avoid playing with Slovenia this summer.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

It could be a lot of things:
- Lorbek being genuinely interested in Spurs.
- Lorbek using Spurs to get a big contract from Barcelona.
- Lorbek using Spurs as an excuse to avoid playing with Slovenia this summer.

Either way, unless the boy (or his agent) has talked to the Spurs like a man and 1st, thanked them for their interest and 2nd explained his hopes/dreams/desires for the next 3-5 years, then he's just like every other teenage sensation that usually ends up being more trouble than they're worth.

There WAS a reason why Indiana was willing to let him go...

[dbestpro]

There WAS a reason why Indiana was willing to let him go...

It's called wanting George Hill.

He was a player who currently was not on the roster. We traded Scola for less.

[Grega]

Either way, unless the boy (or his agent) has talked to the Spurs like a man and 1st, thanked them for their interest and 2nd explained his hopes/dreams/desires for the next 3-5 years, then he's just like every other teenage sensation that usually ends up being more trouble than they're worth.

There WAS a reason why Indiana was willing to let him go...

"The boy" is 27 years old and far from unproven teenage sensation - he's one of the best if not the best player at his position currently playing in Europe, and why Indiana acted the way they did throughout the years of owning his rights is a mind-boggling question to which I have no answer. He has the potential to be at worst a quality of the bench contributor and at best a star. Before you start accusing me of blind homerism go and check his play at 2009 european championship against pretty strong international competition and tell me how in the world a player like that doesn't have a chance to be at least a solid support player in the NBA.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

"The boy" is 27 years old and far from unproven teenage sensation - he's one of the best if not the best player at his position currently playing in Europe, and why Indiana acted the way they did throughout the years of owning his rights is a mind-boggling question to which I have no answer. He has the potential to be at worst a quality of the bench contributor and at best a star. Before you start accusing me of blind homerism go and check his play at 2009 european championship against pretty strong international competition and tell me how in the world a player like that doesn't have a chance to be at least a solid support player in the NBA.

Never mentioned anything about you or homerism but apparently you feel as if you need to defend your obvious homerism...

I know nothing of the boy (I'm quite a few years his senior) but didn't mean that of him in a derogatory way. If he can play and isn't playing games (using the Spurs to get a bigger contract), then he's a man in my book.

Manhood is described by actions - not age.

[GSH]

It could be legit. He says all the right things. "With this change, it's much more interesting to me. My hope is to cross the Atlantic to play in the strongest league in the world. This is the dream of every basketball player." But the Spurs have been used by so many Euro players to negotiate bigger contracts, I'll believe it when I see him in a silver and black uniform. Besides, the Euros are getting stronger all the time. Sonny Weems just signed a no-opt-out contract in Lithuania. That's gonna leave a real vacuum here.

As for Lorbeck? None of you trolls know which Euro players are going to do well here, and which aren't. Stop the bitch-fighting.

[mountainballer]

just for the record: very unlikely, but it still IS a possibility that Lorbek joins the Spurs this season. so, even if this is let's say a 5% chance, what would it mean for the roster if this happened? not very likely they have Bonner and Lorbek on the roster. so, best case is they bring in Lorbek and find a way to trade Bonner. Bonner alone might be difficult to trade, Bonner in a package with blair could work. (not because they are so good, just because the combined salaries of both is 4.5 per for this year and one more and one could make a point that 2.25 M for Blair's rebounding and 2.25 M for Bonners shooting don't look that bad.)

[DesignatedT]

Back on draft night, the average Spurs fan rode a roller coaster of emotions. They grieved for the trading of George Hill to Indiana, wondered about the untapped potential of Kawhi Leonard and even giggled when somebody saddled the newly acquired Davis Bertans with the too-comical nickname “The Latvian Durant.”

Few gave much thought to the third player to hit the Spurs’ coffers in the deal. What happened on draft night 2011, however, apparently meant a lot to Erazem Lorbek.

According to a Spanish website, having his rights transferred from Indiana to San Antonio has caused the Slovenian big man to think long and hard about finally making the jump to the NBA.

“With this change, it’s much more interesting to me,” Lorbek, who is currently employed by FC Barcelona, told Mundo Deportivo (via Hoopshype). “My hope is to cross the Atlantic to play in the strongest league in the world.”

Lorbek, 27, is a 6-foot-10 forward drafted 46th overall by the Pacers in 2005. By this point, his internal clock is ticking. If he’s going to join the NBA, time is running short. Lorbek has an opt-out in his contract in Spain which would pave the way for him to make a move.

Apparently, Lorbek is serious about this. According to the report above, he has already informed the Slovenian national team he has no intention of playing in this year’s Eurobasket tournament, angering the Slovenian coach.

Of course, Lorbek’s timing couldn’t be worse. The NBA, as you might have heard, is embroiled in a bitter labor dispute that could threaten some or all of the 2011-12 season. In a reversal of the traditional talent pipeline, some NBA players — notably New Jersey All-Star Deron Williams — are contemplating playing overseas for as long as America’s top professional basketball league remains shuttered.

Until the lockout is resolved and the NBA resumes business as usual, it will be difficult to handicap Lorbek’s chances of joining the Spurs next season. It is safe to say, however, that the Spurs traded for Lorbek for a reason and, at age 27, time is running out on his opportunity to make an NBA impact.

It seems like he would at least be in the conversation for the Spurs’ roster at some point in the near term.

[Kobayagi]

why am I not surprised that KBP pulls out a Greek player who is ten times better at being whatever.

Why am I not surprised that KBP pulls out a Greek player in a thread about a Slovenian player playing for a Spanish team and thinking about joining an NBA team?

[GB20]

It could be a lot of things:
- Lorbek being genuinely interested in Spurs.
- Lorbek using Spurs to get a big contract from Barcelona.
- Lorbek using Spurs as an excuse to avoid playing with Slovenia this summer.
i am going with that one.

[Bill_Brasky]

Again, the lockout is going to kill any chance of us seeing Lorbek in a Spur uniform in 2011. :(

[ploto]

I have not read the entire thread, but IIRC many of the Euro players that have a buy-out option to join the NBA have a specific window of opportunity to do so stated specifically in their contract. Does anyone know if Lorbek has to buy out his contract by a certain date?

[ChuckD]

Again, the lockout is going to kill any chance of us seeing Lorbek in a Spur uniform in 2011. :(

I don't think this was ever about this year, assuming there is an NBA "this year". IIRC he is under lock and key with a contract in Spain for 2011-2012.

[Pauleta14]

It could be a lot of things:
- Lorbek being genuinely interested in Spurs.
- Lorbek using Spurs to get a big contract from Barcelona.
- Lorbek using Spurs as an excuse to avoid playing with Slovenia this summer.


it's obvious.

[Ozzy]

Update: Lorbek decided to play for the NT.

Supposedly he changed his mind after seeing all the angry comments from the community. Press conference in progress ...

[mosdef17]

You know there is nothing going on when the 'Lorbek to stay in Europe' thread has 100 replies and over 7,000 views...

[mountainballer]

It could be a lot of things:
- Lorbek being genuinely interested in Spurs.
- Lorbek using Spurs to get a big contract from Barcelona.
- Lorbek using Spurs as an excuse to avoid playing with Slovenia this summer.

so it's either a or b.
but let's try to see things in a bigger picture and try to include the situation of Barca. (what we didn't do yet)
Lorbek is traded at June 23rd to the Spurs. on 24th Barca picks the TO they have for the 3rd year of his contract.
we know that Lorbek already had a NBA buyout clause in his contract.
what if Lorbek wanted to join the Spurs (and the whole scenario was already checked by Spurs and Pacers FO and Lobek's agent), even with the risk of a lock out. in that case it was just good business by Barca to pick the option to secure the buy out fee.
however, let's think about the other scenario, Lorbek wants to push Barca to terminate the 3rd year and give him a bigger contract (maybe even for a longer period). I'm not sure Barca is willing to do so. they still have enough size in Vasquez, Perovic and Ndong and they already spent a lot of money for extending Vasquez and Mickeal. they need to replace Morris and Anderson.
the loss against Pana in the Euroleague wasn't a lack of size, it was more about power and athleticism. IMO Barca will rather invest in that department, before they try to keep Lorbek at any costs.

whatever we read into this, IOM the chance to sign him might be better than thought in the first place.

[Grega]

so it's either a or b.
but let's try to see things in a bigger picture and try to include the situation of Barca. (what we didn't do yet)
Lorbek is traded at June 23rd to the Spurs. on 24th Barca picks the TO they have for the 3rd year of his contract.
we know that Lorbek already had a NBA buyout clause in his contract.
what if Lorbek wanted to join the Spurs (and the whole scenario was already checked by Spurs and Pacers FO and Lobek's agent), even with the risk of a lock out. in that case it was just good business by Barca to pick the option to secure the buy out fee.
however, let's think about the other scenario, Lorbek wants to push Barca to terminate the 3rd year and give him a bigger contract (maybe even for a longer period). I'm not sure Barca is willing to do so. they still have enough size in Vasquez, Perovic and Ndong and they already spent a lot of money for extending Vasquez and Mickeal. they need to replace Morris and Anderson.
the loss against Pana in the Euroleague wasn't a lack of size, it was more about power and athleticism. IMO Barca will rather invest in that department, before they try to keep Lorbek at any costs.

whatever we read into this, IOM the chance to sign him might be better than thought in the first place.

Supposedly he already signed a new contract, or at least he intends to. In an interview today he said that the slovenian basketball association agreed to insure his contract for this year and and the extra two - the length of his new contract. The only question is does he have an NBA buyout clause in it. I think he should, especially because of the way he was raving about NBA in the last couple of weeks. Of course it could have been just rhetorics in order to secure better terms, but I doubt it.

[Ozzy]

The whole Lorbek/NT affair is getting funnier and funnier. Today at the press conference he officially announced that he will play for the NT. His statement lasted for 39 seconds and that was it. Nobody from the Slovenian bball federation wanted to comment on anything. (On Sunday they were promising to air a lot of dirty laundry today... how quickly things change.)
All in all, I am glad that he changed his mind...

But more and more stories crop up, though most of them are hearsay... The latest I came across was that it had to do something with insurance. Apparently Lorberk wanted insurance for 3 years, but Fiba rules prevent that. Additionally there was talk that if he signs for an NBA club this insurance would not be sufficient, etc... Although plenty of stories circle around there is still some common ground behind them - Lorbek is for sure at least considering joining the Spurs at some point in time. He might not be considering it too seriously, but I think he actually put the though of coming to NBA somewhere in the back of his mind. I think he didn't have any interest of coming over at all before Spurs got the rights.



Bruno: I heard that French basketball federation asked their government for a loan, because the insurance for all of their NBA players sums up to 2 million euros. Any truth in that?


Lorbek's announcement that he will play. Even though most of you can't understand a word he is saying you can still see that he was nervous as shit.
l-payyOj6to

[Kamnik]

Lorbek's announcement that he will play. Even though most of you can't understand a word he is saying you can still see that he was nervous as shit.
l-payyOj6to

Maybe it is interesting to hear that our basketball association DEMANDED that he gives a statement himself; it is somewhat of a punishment/statement for him being forced to do that. :toast He deserved it... Even if his BB daddy created all this shitstorm.

[Bruno]

Bruno: I heard that French basketball federation asked their government for a loan, because the insurance for all of their NBA players sums up to 2 million euros. Any truth in that?

2M€ was the first estimation. Since that, with the help of FIBA Europe, all NT have talked together to a single assurance firm to reduce costs. NT are still negotiating but the latest number I've seen were 400K€ for French players. If it's 400K€, it shouldn't be a problem to pay it with the help but they fear a last minute raise.

Unless Slovenia has negotiated something on his own, Dragic's contract isn't insured for the moment. It will be way cheaper than for France since it's $2M compared to about $130M for french players.

[Ozzy]

The info that is floating around is that our bball federation payed 50.000 EUR for Dragic's insurance.

[Trill Clinton]

I hate this thread.

[GSH]

From what I have been able to find, Lorbek would have seriously considered playing here, after the Spurs acquired his rights. The club has him by the short hairs, and made sure it wouldn't happen. I don't know the details, but from what I understand, the insurance story is totall bullshit - it's the spin they put on to make it look nice. That story fits, if you look at that bizarre press conference.

A lot of people act like playing overseason is just like playing here, but not in English. Sometimes it is, but sometimes it isn't. But if the players think NBA owners are hard-core pricks, wait until they meet some (not all, but some) of the overseas owners. These guys play hardball in ways our players could never dream of. A while back, I talked about how many players have had problems even getting paid. Some of our esteemed international fans screamed, and said I didn't know what I was talking about. (It never happens, they said, and not being from the U.S. they know more about everything.) Well here's an article about the Turkish team that is tying to sign Deron Williams. They are far from the only team to pull stuff like this:

“Besiktas is the most fucked up team when it comes to this thing,” a Turkish player that requested anonymity told HoopsHype. “They are supposed to be one of the best teams in Turkey and the last few years even though they had the best players, they didn’t win because the players were mentally messed up (for not getting paid).”

It’s a pattern with this club, according to Turkish basketball journalist Mete Aktas.

“Besiktas’ basketball branch always had problems when it comes to payments to players,” Aktas said. “I can’t remember a single season for the past 3-4 years that the players’ wages are paid on time and fully. There were several occasions last season and in 2009-10 where some of the players skipped practices and boycotted the team management. In the summer of 2010, the management prohibited three players who were under contract at the time to enter training facilities. Why? Because they had submitted an official protest note to the club to pay them their delayed payments. And currently Besiktas is trying to waive three players who are currently under contract for the 2011-12 season. Since the players don’t want to be waived, the management is trying to indimidate and daunt them by forcing the players to train three times a day… during the summer!”

You can read the rest of the article here:
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/sierra/2011/07/12/deron-williams-turkish-team-has-checkered-past/

I don't know what leverage they have on Lorbek, but unless the Spurs can come to his rescue, it looks like you can forget about seeing him in a silver and black jersey any time soon, if ever. The problem is, the thing they would probably respond to is cold, hard cash. And the Spurs couldn't deliver enough of it above board, and within league rules.

BTW - I expect the usual rants that the article is one big lie, and these things just don't happen. But they do happen. Every season. The biggest teams don't usually just fail to pay. But even they have a knack for some very... what would you call it? Creative negotiations?

[mountainballer]

but what does this whole story about not paying players have to do with Lorbek's buy out?
reportedly he has a buy out clause and number in his contract. he pays it, he is free. where is the room for creative negotiations by the owners?
if he can't afford this number, he stays with Barca.
and btw. even if we learned a lot of stories from team from Tukey, Greece, Russia and Italy about bad habits with contracts, we never ever heard from Barca being involved in such stuff. (being the wealthiest sports club in the world helps of course)

[TJastal]

but what does this whole story about not paying players have to do with Lorbek's buy out?
reportedly he has a buy out clause and number in his contract. he pays it, he is free. where is the room for creative negotiations by the owners?
if he can't afford this number, he stays with Barca.
and btw. even if we learned a lot of stories from team from Tukey, Greece, Russia and Italy about bad habits with contracts, we never ever heard from Barca being involved in such stuff. (being the wealthiest sports club in the world helps of course)

IIRC Splitter had to be bought out by July 15th, if Lorbek's team's buyout is the same, the deadline would be tomorrow

.

[mountainballer]

why? just because you touched it?

[Dex]

Lies!!!