If Saraunas was in the NBA draft, where would he be picked?

[romsey31]

What number do you guys think he wouldve been taken at?

[Slo spurs fan]

In between 2 and 5 IMO.

[Slo spurs fan]

Oh and he is Sarunas.

[samikeyp]

are you talking about right now or when he was younger?

[romsey31]

are you talking about right now or when he was younger?


Right now.

[romsey31]

Oh and he is Sarunas.

Thanks.

[DesiSpur_21]

In between 2 and 5 IMO.

In second round??


:lol :lol :lol

[Slo spurs fan]

In second round??


:lol :lol :lol

Did you ever saw him play?

[DesiSpur_21]

Did you ever saw him play?

No, I haven't. j/k apart, you think seriously he was 2-5 pick considering his age? Any lottery team would bet on him as a long time stay??

[Kori Ellis]

He wouldn't be a lottery pick. He's almost 30 and slow.

Second round isn't a far-fetched answer.

[Slo spurs fan]

He wouldn't be a lottery pick. He's almost 30 and slow.

Second round isn't a far-fetched answer.

We will see, we will see....

[romsey31]

Did you ever saw him play?

I dont think he has

[picnroll]

He wouldn't go high for sure. No team is going to build with a 30 year old PG. Best would be to a contender missing a PG. Maybe Pacers would have thrown their pick at him. After that maybe Houston, SA or Miami late in the first at best, but I think SA wouldn't have wanted to miss on Mahinmi.

[DesiSpur_21]

I dont think he has

I have already answered that.

also to think he would have been a top first round pick is just insane.

[Slo spurs fan]

OK maybe I was wrong, considering his age (I already forgot he played for my Olimpija not less but 6 years ago), but as picnroll sad a team in deep need of point guard could throw high pick.

[JMarkJohns]

Just about any playoff team in need of a SG/PG would have drafted him in the first round. so, anywhere from #14 (Minnesota) on up.

He's lottory impact, but age factors in. A team rebuilding doesn't need a 30-year old guard as much they need a 22-year old prospect.

But 2nd-round is a bit extreme. He clearly superior to Jack, Head, Robinson, three PG's who went in the 20's and arguably as good as Wright, Hodge and Garcia (for immediate impact) who went from #14 on up...

[samikeyp]

now? not drafted...the age question would be too much

If it was when he was in his early 20's, late second round.

[Slo spurs fan]

In his early 20's he wouldn't be drafted at all. He become good-very good at his 25 maybe 26.

[Kori Ellis]

Just about any playoff team in need of a SG/PG would have drafted him in the first round. so, anywhere from #14 (Minnesota) on up.

He's lottory impact, but age factors in. A team rebuilding doesn't need a 30-year old guard as much they need a 22-year old prospect.

But 2nd-round is a bit extreme. He clearly superior to Jack, Head, Robinson, three PG's who went in the 20's and arguably as good as Wright, Hodge and Garcia (for immediate impact) who went from #14 on up...

I don't know if y'all realize what a rep he has of being too slow to play in the NBA. No one doubts his shooting ability. But that doesn't mean it will translate to the NBA (See: Heal, Shane). I'm not saying that I don't want him to pan out -- I actually do. But I think his slow rep would stop him from being drafted anywhere in the first round or above any of those players you named.

[JMarkJohns]

Even to a playoff team? I'd much rather have a guy that can impact the game now than a prospect in the first round.

He didn't look slow in the Olympics. Maybe not fast, but he certainly had the ability to move around without being a liability. As a gunner, I'd rather have him right now than all those I named, 'cept maybe Garcia, but I've been a Garcia fan for a while now.

[Slo spurs fan]

Note that he is owsome passer as well!

[samikeyp]

In his early 20's he wouldn't be drafted at all. He become good-very good at his 25 maybe 26.

ok, 25 then. but IMO, still not at 30.

[Kamnik]

betwen 10-15 by a team that needs some good shooting,playmaking and passing

he will be great even though he isnt very fast!

he is one of the best passers out there

[Dario]

I dont agree with him being to slow, imo his speed is betwen parker and udrih. But his playing ability for the past 3 years are something like nash this year. He just makes everybody in his team to perform better, its that simple. And he is even better when big games starts. Only 2 weakneses he has are his age and his temper when things dont go his way.
PS: how old is nash?

[Kori Ellis]

I dont agree with him being to slow, imo his speed is betwen parker and udrih. But his playing ability for the past 3 years are something like nash this year. He just makes everybody in his team to perform better, its that simple. And he is even better when big games starts. Only 2 weakneses he has are his age and his temper when things dont go his way.
PS: how old is nash?

For the record, it's not me who is saying he's too slow.

I'm saying that his rep for the last few seasons among NBA GM's and scouts has been that they have serious doubts he'll be able to play well in the NBA because he's too slow.

Since he has this kind of rep among GM's and scouts, that's why I'm saying that I don't think he would have been drafted very high.

Whether he actually pans out in the NBA is another story.

[romsey31]

He wouldn't go high for sure. No team is going to build with a 30 year old PG. Best would be to a contender missing a PG. Maybe Pacers would have thrown their pick at him. After that maybe Houston, SA or Miami late in the first at best, but I think SA wouldn't have wanted to miss on Mahinmi.

I think Utah would've probably picked him up.

[jermaine7fan]

I have already answered that.

also to think he would have been a top first round pick is just insane.
Why is it insane? There were other Europeans taken in the first round... and Sarunas is supposed to be the best from Europe... that wasn't yet in the NBA. Some teams would have skipped on him cause he is thirty... but contending teams would have pounced... I garauntee the Pacers would have taken him at #17... so I am happy that he wasn't in the draft... cause now we have Granger and Sarunas

[jermaine7fan]

I don't know if y'all realize what a rep he has of being too slow to play in the NBA. No one doubts his shooting ability. But that doesn't mean it will translate to the NBA (See: Heal, Shane). I'm not saying that I don't want him to pan out -- I actually do. But I think his slow rep would stop him from being drafted anywhere in the first round or above any of those players you named.Athleticism does not always make or break a player... the reason he was so wanted by Indiana... Larry Bird... was there ever a slower, less-athletic, but purely dominating player? I will be behind Larry's decision to sign him... he knows his basketball.

[TheWriter]

Why is it insane? There were other Europeans taken in the first round... and Sarunas is supposed to be the best from Europe... that wasn't yet in the NBA. Some teams would have skipped on him cause he is thirty... but contending teams would have pounced... I garauntee the Pacers would have taken him at #17... so I am happy that he wasn't in the draft... cause now we have Granger and Sarunas


How does 30 year-old slow footed European basketball player not register with you?

[jermaine7fan]

How does 30 year-old slow footed European basketball player not register with you?
How does a dead-eye shooter, amazing passer, great team leader, and three-straight Euroleague titles not register with you... I think he will do just fine in the NBA

[TheWriter]

Athleticism does not always make or break a player... the reason he was so wanted by Indiana... Larry Bird... was there ever a slower, less-athletic, but purely dominating player? I will be behind Larry's decision to sign him... he knows his basketball.

Yeah, lets compare Larry Bird the 6'9 player who could shoot you into a coma to a 30 year old 6'4 euro.

[jermaine7fan]

Yeah, lets compare Larry Bird the 6'9 player who could shoot you into a coma to a 30 year old 6'4 euro.Why not? Larry did it himself.

[SpizdiStrann]

com´on people..
:rolleyes
sorry but i just cant stand some of you really do believe everything from journalists.. and you write about him, but acctually you forgot that you haven´t seen him yet!! -god mother 3 games in athenas.. i sure that is enought to write really detail scouting report.

- 1. he´s not slow!!! where did you get this??
ok, - he´s not the greatest athlete ever, but slow?? he is also pretty good ballhandler, but noone write about this. he is just a european guy, who is so damn good, that some are scared for american players, cuz there will be another place on all-stars game taken by european guy. this is the truth. and some write about him really just bed things, like how slow is he.. and how low his numbers are( numbers in EL have a bit different sense) ..

-2. what i expect?? i know him pretty good. i live in Ljubljana, and i´m fan of club that beno, rasho, saras many other nba players played for. so i saw his every game in that season, and many other games in maccabi and barca. i can say that i know a lot about him, and i know him personally,. we are not like close friends, but we meet once maybe twice a year till now. and i can say about him::

- the best passer on the world right now. wait for his numbers when he will play with jermaine. i think they fit together on the court, and sarunas can send him many useful balls.
-born leader
-makes everyone better around him
-not the greatest shooter, ( there in eu are many better shooters for 3p)but he has abillity to hit in clutch moments. perfect go to guy.
-best creativity i have ever seen, ( that makes him such a unique player) you will soon see what he can do with ball in his hands. i believe his game can be even more spectacular, cuz he will play with great black athlets, so we can expect many alley-oops, ..
- he´s not slow :smokin

[TheWriter]

How does a dead-eye shooter, amazing passer, great team leader, and three-straight Euroleague titles not register with you... I think he will do just fine in the NBA

How does Shane Heal and Darko Milicic not register with you?

Just because they do well in Europe doesn't mean they're going to do the same thing in the NBA.

And I know he's a Pacer so you guys are swinging from his dick like a monkey on some vines but come back down to reality.

[TheWriter]

Why not? Larry did it himself.

Said the 30 year old 6'4 euro was as good as him?

And I believe someone said Joe Johnson would have a Larry Bird type impact on the Hawks.

A lot of people smoke crack.

:spin

[TheWriter]

All I'm going to say is let the fucking guy play a single minute in the NBA before people start asking where this cat would have been drafted.

But it was Pacer fans who asked so they don't need him to play in the NBA before they climb aboard the guys ball sack.

[jermaine7fan]

How does Shane Heal and Darko Milicic not register with you?

Just because they do well in Europe doesn't mean they're going to do the same thing in the NBA.

And I know he's a Pacer so you guys are swinging from his dick like a monkey on some vines but come back down to reality.
I don't know about Heal... but Darko sucks in Europe too... he's been blowing ass in the olympic qualifiers. And I am in reality... Sarunas will be a good player in the NBA.

[TheWriter]

Sarunas will be a good player in the NBA.

Opinion based.

Let the dude play one game atleast.

[jermaine7fan]

Said the 30 year old 6'4 euro was as good as him?

And I believe someone said Joe Johnson would have a Larry Bird type impact on the Hawks.

A lot of people smoke crack.

:spinLarry did not say Sarunas was as good as him... he saw a lot in Sarunas that reminded him of himself... not a great athlete... but he has the heart and determination to impose his will on a game.

[jermaine7fan]

All I'm going to say is let the fucking guy play a single minute in the NBA before people start asking where this cat would have been drafted.

But it was Pacer fans who asked so they don't need him to play in the NBA before they climb aboard the guys ball sack.It's not very nice to be putting in those hangin from the nutsack lines... I don't say the same thing about you with Finley, Van Exel, or Oberto.

[jermaine7fan]

Opinion based.

Let the dude play one game atleast.It is... and I will wait for more than just one game... it will take him a while to adjust to the NBA.

[TheWriter]

It's not very nice to be putting in those hangin from the nutsack lines... I don't say the same thing about you with Finley, Van Exel, or Oberto.

Finley and Exel are proven players. Nothing wrong with gloating about these guys.

Oberto is the one who is unproven who I speak very little of. I am very excited to see what he can do.

[jermaine7fan]

Finley and Exel are proven players. Nothing wrong with gloating about these guys.

Oberto is the one who is unproven who I speak very little of. I am very excited to see what he can do.
I think he could be your backup at the 5... over Rasho... if he pans out...

[jermaine7fan]

Finley and Exel are proven players. Nothing wrong with gloating about these guys.

Oberto is the one who is unproven who I speak very little of. I am very excited to see what he can do.They have been proven... in the past on different teams... I just don't know how well they are gonna hold up as role players for you guys... I'm not saying that they are gonna suck... but I don't think they are that much more proven than Sarunas... they are all three entering a new situation this year... so only time will tell how they work out. Serious question... I have heard that Finley has some knee problems... Is that true? And if so... do any of you have any worries about it?

[TheWriter]

but I don't think they are that much more proven than Sarunas..

WTF? When I said that people smoke crack, would that happen to include you?

[picnroll]

Pop almost brought him over to the Spurs in, what was it, '03. Sarunas was wiloing but Macabi wouldn't release him. So Pop must think he can play in the NBA.

[TheWriter]

Serious question... I have heard that Finley has some knee problems... Is that true? And if so... do any of you have any worries about it?

Finley doesn't have knee problems. Van Exel does. Am I worried. No.

He's the backup to Tony. He'll come in to rest Parker and to play if Parker ever struggles. He won't have a lot of wear and tear over the season.

[Kori Ellis]

I have heard that Finley has some knee problems... Is that true? And if so... do any of you have any worries about it?

He's coming off ankle surgery. Nothing is wrong with his knees.

[SoupIsGood]

Probably somewhere around 12-23.

[jermaine7fan]

He's coming off ankle surgery. Nothing is wrong with his knees.Thank ya.

[Sense]

In between 2 and 5 IMO.


That's STUPID, IMO.

[jermaine7fan]

WTF? When I said that people smoke crack, would that happen to include you?I am saying that all three players are coming to new teams... Sarunas is the most proven player from Europe this year... the only knock you have on him is that he won't transition to the NBA cause he is slow... he is just not as fast as most top rate point guards... he is not far behind Van Exel and Finley, in terms of being proven. His only knock is that he has not played an NBA game... Finley and Van Exel have both seen better years and different roles in their past... so they may not be as proven at their new roles yet.

P.S. - Why do you keep throwing personal attacks at me?

[jermaine7fan]

That's STUPID, IMO.Utah was one of our opponents in the Sarunas sweepstakes. They most likely would have started him over Deron Williams. IMO... Utah would have selected Sarunas with their top pick.

[2centsworth]

Utah was one of our opponents in the Sarunas sweepstakes. They most likely would have started him over Deron Williams. IMO... Utah would have selected Sarunas with their top pick.

Dude, it's obvious you love Sarunas' game. I happen to like his game too, and think he'll do just fine in the NBA. However, the NBA draft is notorious for picking the tallest, fastest, most athletic people before the high IQ players. Note Marvin Williams #1 and Sean May #14 or so. Sarunas' for scouts has some real questions marks, so he probably would have been picked in the late first round. But who cares because the best player in a draft can be picked anywhere, Note Manu Ginobilli.

Relax, and see how it goes down.

[jermaine7fan]

But who cares because the best player in a draft can be picked anywhere, Note Manu Ginobilli. I agree with that more this year than ever... this was the most deep draft I've seen in my days... anyone pick 1-30 could win the ROY. The same goes with who will be the best 10 years down the line... and you are also right that someone in the second round could shock the hell out of people in the future... I don't think there will be very many (if one) dominating rookie this year... but overall for the future... I think this draft class will add a ton of talent to the NBA.

[TheWriter]

I am saying that all three players are coming to new teams... Sarunas is the most proven player from Europe this year... the only knock you have on him is that he won't transition to the NBA cause he is slow... he is just not as fast as most top rate point guards... he is not far behind Van Exel and Finley, in terms of being proven. His only knock is that he has not played an NBA game... Finley and Van Exel have both seen better years and different roles in their past... so they may not be as proven at their new roles yet.

P.S. - Why do you keep throwing personal attacks at me?

Dude.

Sarunas has not PROVEN himelf in the NBA.

Finley and Van Exel have PROVEN themselves in the NBA countless times.

If this was nascar, Finley and Van Exel would have lapped Sarunas 100 times by now.

[The Artest Factor]

Talent-wise he would have been top-5. However he's 29, which would scare the rebuilding teams away.
He would've probably went somewhere in the teens, seeing as how he's the Euro Jordan and a potential All-Star, 29 or not, thats too good to slip any further.

[2centsworth]

Talent-wise he would have been top-5. However he's 29, which would scare the rebuilding teams away.
He would've probably went somewhere in the teens, seeing as how he's the Euro Jordan and a potential All-Star, 29 or not, thats too good to slip any further.
Nothing about the guy's game says jordan. Reggie Miller maybe, but Sarunas is not a penetrator. BTW, he has a very good chance of being a complete bust too. No one knows how he's going to respond to the type of defense he's going to see night in and night out. He just might be too slow.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

I believe we must difference between being a troll and supporting, having a good opinion of your own players. I've seen Sarunas play both at European and International level, and he has been a top 10 international player for the last 5 years. He is an amazing talent, has high Basketball IQ, can lead a team offense, run the point, or play as a shooting guard, and has a very good three-point shot. His passing skills are very good too. He is clutch, a leader, and he makes things happen. He might not be a penetrator, but when his 3s start rainning, defenders will leave him the line open, and he can penetrate and kick it out or dish to a big man.

Of course he is unproven at NBA level, his man to man defense is doubtful (specially against quick point guards), and he would need at least a year to adapt to the system. The latter because he was the team 1st. or 2nd. option wherever he played, while in Indiana he will have to adapt to a different role, but as I said, he has a high basketball IQ, so that might help him in the transition.

About the question that started the topic. Well, it's hard to say where would a 30-year old player be selected in the draft, and if it was when he was 22 or 23, back then he wasn't the same player than he is right now.

If he was the player that he is right now at 22 years old, he would have been a top five pick without a doubt. If 30 years old players could be drafted, then he would be drafted from pick #15 and on.


I think he could be your backup at the 5... over Rasho... if he pans out...

Ok, then, I defended your opinion believing you weren't a troll. I was mistaken. Oberto has been there with Sarunas as a top international player for the last 5 years (at least), and both are unproven in the NBA. Why Sarunas would adapt better than Oberto? There you have no reason to state such a thing. The odds would be better for Oberto, who was the last International player to adapt to Indiana? Rik Smits?

[TheWriter]

Talent-wise he would have been top-5. However he's 29, which would scare the rebuilding teams away.
He would've probably went somewhere in the teens, seeing as how he's the Euro Jordan and a potential All-Star, 29 or not, thats too good to slip any further.

Talent wise?

Dude, seriously.

It's great that he's a good passer and shooter, but please, he'd need a lot and I mean a lot more talent than that to go top 5.

Jesus do Pacer fans suck it hard.

[jermaine7fan]

I believe we must difference between being a troll and supporting, having a good opinion of your own players. I've seen Sarunas play both at European and International level, and he has been a top 10 international player for the last 5 years. He is an amazing talent, has high Basketball IQ, can lead a team offense, run the point, or play as a shooting guard, and has a very good three-point shot. His passing skills are very good too. He is clutch, a leader, and he makes things happen. He might not be a penetrator, but when his 3s start rainning, defenders will leave him the line open, and he can penetrate and kick it out or dish to a big man.

Of course he is unproven at NBA level, his man to man defense is doubtful (specially against quick point guards), and he would need at least a year to adapt to the system. The latter because he was the team 1st. or 2nd. option wherever he played, while in Indiana he will have to adapt to a different role, but as I said, he has a high basketball IQ, so that might help him in the transition.

About the question that started the topic. Well, it's hard to say where would a 30-year old player be selected in the draft, and if it was when he was 22 or 23, back then he wasn't the same player than he is right now.

If he was the player that he is right now at 22 years old, he would have been a top five pick without a doubt. If 30 years old players could be drafted, then he would be drafted from pick #15 and on.



Ok, then, I defended your opinion believing you weren't a troll. I was mistaken. Oberto has been there with Sarunas as a top international player for the last 5 years (at least), and both are unproven in the NBA. Why Sarunas would adapt better than Oberto? There you have no reason to state such a thing. The odds would be better for Oberto, who was the last International player to adapt to Indiana? Rik Smits?I don't think I said Sarunas would adapt better... and that is a possitive statement that you quoted me on... so... how am I a troll?

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

I don't think I said Sarunas would adapt better... and that is a possitive statement that you quoted me on... so... how am I a troll?

Rasho will be in the dog house / traded this season...so that's not a very positive statement about Oberto.

[jermaine7fan]

Rasho will be in the dog house / traded this season...so that's not a very positive statement about Oberto.
It still does not make me a troll.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

It still does not make me a troll.

But you are comparing both players, under the same conditions, and you are stating that Sarunas will adapt better than Oberto. Why? Only because he is in the Pacers roster?

[TheWriter]

Rasho will be in the dog house / traded this season...so that's not a very positive statement about Oberto.

Why will Rasho be in the dog house?

He was our starter until he was injured and Nazr showed to be as good or better a starter so Rasho got lost in the rotation behind Horry and Nazr.

It wasn't that he was in the dog house.

If he's traded, he's traded because of his contract not because he's a bad player.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Why will Rasho be in the dog house?

He was our starter until he was injured and Nazr showed to be as good or better a starter so Rasho got lost in the rotation behind Horry and Nazr.

It wasn't that he was in the dog house.

If he's traded, he's traded because of his contract not because he's a bad player.

I didn't say he was a bad player. Malik wasn't a bad player and he was in the dog house and later traded.

[jermaine7fan]

But you are comparing both players, under the same conditions, and you are stating that Sarunas will adapt better than Oberto. Why? Only because he is in the Pacers roster?I never said he would adapt better... I may have said he was the best player in Europe... but I did not say he would adapt better... and I am saying that because it widely believed around the world that Sarunas was the best over there... I did not start that rumor.

[picnroll]

I'm assume since the Idiana fans posting here have such high regard for Saurnas, they all expect him to beat Tinsley out for the starting PG position. Afer all if he's that high a draft selcetion at 30 it certainly isn't based on his potential to develop down the road.

[jermaine7fan]

I'm assume since the Idiana fans posting here have such high regard for Saurnas, they all expect him to beat Tinsley out for the starting PG position. Afer all if he's that high a draft selcetion at 30 it certainly isn't based on his potential to develop down the road.
It depends on how much Tinsley tries to step up this year... Sarunas has a chance to replace him by the end of the season.

[Mark in Austin]

:lol Let me get this straight: Pacer fan comes onto a Spurs board and asks San Antonio fans where they think one of the Indy FA signings with a rep among NBA scouts as being too slow and 30, but clutch and a great leader and winner in Europe would be drafted. Then when most Spur fans don't say lottery, Pacer fan gets bent? :lol Please.

I'd post more on this, but I still have to visit some Pacer boards tonight to post a topic about what they think of Manu's rockstar-like treatment when he came back to Argentina this summer. Good thing I kept my Johnny Ludden columns. If they don't compare him to the Beatles or Jesus, I'm going to throw myself out a window.


btw, Saras would have most likely been picked in the late first round or early second round.

[THE X-FACTOR]

He would of not gotten drafted higher then 20th, there was too much talent in the draft the last few years for him to of gotten picked any higher. He is good but his defense is substandard, he is a great fit for the Pacers but right now he would of not gotten drafted very high.

[THE X-FACTOR]

Talent-wise he would have been top-5. However he's 29, which would scare the rebuilding teams away.
He would've probably went somewhere in the teens, seeing as how he's the Euro Jordan and a potential All-Star, 29 or not, thats too good to slip any further.

OVER RATED!

[Spurs Biggest Fan]

Can someone post a pic of this guy please? I remember a guy from the Olympics and would like to know if this is the same guy....

If it is... then I say 1st round -- but lower 20's or maybe high 2nd round... not top 10 1st round...

anyway -- IF that's the guy I'm thinking of... ;)

[TheWriter]

http://www.fiba.com/images/web/News/players_head_shots/ltu/_original/ltu_sarunas_jasikevicius_or.jpg

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040822/images/2004-08-22oly_sarunas.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/040821/040821_sarunas_hoops_hmed_2p.hmedium.jpg

[MI21]

I personally cant stand the guy but he has game. I expect him to have his moments, but I'm not sure how well his game is built to play in the NBA.

As a 30 year old in the NBA draft with below average athleticism and never going to get any better? Late first round at best.

[Slo spurs fan]

That's STUPID, IMO.

I corrected myself and you are a MORON, IMO.

[Slo spurs fan]

I stated my opinion based on seeing him play for many years and all you can say is ½that is STUPID½? Tell me your opinion about him (based on something), not just talk smack.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

com´on people..
:rolleyes
sorry but i just cant stand some of you really do believe everything from journalists.. and you write about him, but acctually you forgot that you haven´t seen him yet!! -god mother 3 games in athenas.. i sure that is enought to write really detail scouting report.

- 1. he´s not slow!!! where did you get this??
ok, - he´s not the greatest athlete ever, but slow?? he is also pretty good ballhandler, but noone write about this. he is just a european guy, who is so damn good, that some are scared for american players, cuz there will be another place on all-stars game taken by european guyhttp://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smirolleyes.gif. this is the truth. and some write about him really just bed things, like how slow is he.. and how low his numbers are( numbers in EL have a bit different sense) ..

-2. what i expect?? i know him pretty good. i live in Ljubljana, and i´m fan of club that beno, rasho, saras many other nba players played for. so i saw his every game in that season, and many other games in maccabi and barca. i can say that i know a lot about him, and i know him personally,. we are not like close friends, but we meet once maybe twice a year till now. and i can say about him::

- the best passer on the world right nowhttp://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smirolleyes.gif. wait for his numbers when he will play with jermaine. i think they fit together on the court, and sarunas can send him many useful balls.
-born leader
-makes everyone better around him
-not the greatest shooter, ( there in eu are many better shooters for 3p)but he has abillity to hit in clutch moments. perfect go to guy.
-best creativity i have ever seen, ( that makes him such a unique player) you will soon see what he can do with ball in his hands. i believe his game can be even more spectacular, cuz he will play with great black athlets, so we can expect many alley-oops, ..
- he´s not slow :smokin Glad to see us Argies aren't the only international homers in the forum, lol. http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smirolleyes.gif

[Cant_Be_Faded]

What I find extremely funny, is the fact that people believe that this guy will be able to compete with Two Thousand and Five's athletes.

[Slo spurs fan]

What I find extremely funny, is the fact that people believe that this guy will be able to compete with Two Thousand and Five's athletes.

Yeah and he is from 18th century. :rolleyes

[Dario]

Best player in europe for some time now imo would be dejan bodiroga. Sarunas beeing best passer in the world is also objective, put some mediocre guy in the best team and he would be best passer in the world. The fact is, that sarunas can play and he will do just fine in nba, some of you thinks to much of the NBA, the gap aint that high (well maybe in money) :) Olympics and WC anyone? Those slow and underated guys owned your asses for some years now...

[DesiSpur_21]

You wanted an opinion about where he'd have been picked in the draft - NOT how good he is. I think people here gave their opinions on late 1st or 2nd/or not a draft pick on him because of his age and fitting. Why in the hell a lottery team is gonna invest on a 30yr old guard playing his first season in NBA? I understand a lottery team trading their pick for Nash, but why a 30yr old NBA-rookie? And for the other observation that a contender could pick him to help themselves, contenders usually will have low draft pick consistently ( leaving Det of '03, no other contenders had a top pick in recent drafts). So even after looking at his potential, proven record (outside of NBA world), he'd have been still a late 1st or a 2nd roucnd pick at best.

This thread was never about his immediate impact in NBA nor about his skills. It was just about DRAFT PICK - period.

[Dario]

So people dont have right to speak about other things related to sarunas in this thread and need to open a new thread for every single thing different than just about DRAFT PICK?

[DesiSpur_21]

So people dont have right to speak about other things related to sarunas in this thread and need to open a new thread for every single thing different than just about DRAFT PICK?

You'd have to assume it's that way if people link your comment on draft pick to his impact on a team. One shouldn't get offended if someone says he'd have been a no or low draft pick. That's my point. most guys who gave their opinion on the probable draft pick didn't even make a remark on his playing abilities, yet some people thought we were underestimating this guy, which is not true.

[romsey31]

Opinion based.

Let the dude play one game atleast.


Maybe you should let him play 1 game before you pronounce him worthless.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Maybe you should let him play 1 game before you pronounce him worthless.
Who said anything about worthless!? You asked people's opinion, and now if they don't agree with you, it automatically means they are saying he is worthless. Great logic!

[romsey31]

You wanted an opinion about where he'd have been picked in the draft - NOT how good he is. I think people here gave their opinions on late 1st or 2nd/or not a draft pick on him because of his age and fitting. Why in the hell a lottery team is gonna invest on a 30yr old guard playing his first season in NBA? I understand a lottery team trading their pick for Nash, but why a 30yr old NBA-rookie? And for the other observation that a contender could pick him to help themselves, contenders usually will have low draft pick consistently ( leaving Det of '03, no other contenders had a top pick in recent drafts). So even after looking at his potential, proven record (outside of NBA world), he'd have been still a late 1st or a 2nd roucnd pick at best.

This thread was never about his immediate impact in NBA nor about his skills. It was just about DRAFT PICK - period.


Exactly! I never asked these guys on here how good he is, now everyone is going nuts on me like I think he's the second coming of Jesus or something. Dam you guys on here are TOUCHY!!! I'll know better next time.

[romsey31]

Who said anything about worthless!? You asked people's opinion, and now if they don't agree with you, it automatically means they are saying he is worthless. Great logic!

When did anyone not agree with me? I didnt even say he was a good player, I think you're getting me mixed up with someone else. All I'm saying is you're telling J7fan let him play a game first before he's on his dick, so all I'm telling you is let him play one game before you say the shit you're saying.

[romsey31]

How does Shane Heal and Darko Milicic not register with you?

Just because they do well in Europe doesn't mean they're going to do the same thing in the NBA.

And I know he's a Pacer so you guys are swinging from his dick like a monkey on some vines but come back down to reality.


??? Let him play a game before you say this. I guess you didnt watch the olympics.

[romsey31]

How does 30 year-old slow footed European basketball player not register with you?



And again....

[xcoriate]

I think probably second round if he was picked now. The idea of the draft is to get young talent. He doesn't really fit that. He has great achievements in Europe but as we have seen with Manu it can take a few years to properly transfer your playing styles. Meaning by the time he became aclimatised he would be 32+, and he doesn't have Manus athleticsm.

If were talking young Jasi-k then undrafted just like what happened.

[The Artest Factor]

You all have to understand, Jasikevicius is considered the greatest point guard in European history. think about the greatness that's come out of Europe, and to think that this guy is the best. That's sick talent. He was 2nd in the league in assists and 17th in scoring. That translates to about 21 ppg, 9.5 apg in the NBA. He's basically a slightly bigger and better shooting and passing Steve Nash. 29 or not, that won't slip past the mid-teens.
In Europe, Saras is to Magic Johnson what Manu is to Clyde Drexler. Basically, Saras skills > Manus skills.
Check out this sick puppies accomplishments..

Won the 2000-01 and 2002-03 Spanish National Championship with F C Barcelona...won the 2003-04 and 2004-05 Israeli National Championship with Maccabi Tel Aviv...won the 2000 Slovenian National Cup with BC Olimpija Ljubljana...won the 2001 and 2003 Spanish National Cup (King's Cup) with F C Barcelona...won the 2004 and 2005 Israeli National Cup with Maccabi Tel Aviv...won the 2003 Euroleague with FC Barcelona...won the 2004 and 2005 Euroleague with Maccabi Tel Aviv...played the 1999 Lithuanian All Star Game...played the 2000 Slovenian All Star Game...played the 2001 Spanish All Star Game...named the 2002-03 Spanish League Finals MVP...named the 2005 Euroleague Final MVP...named to the 2003-04 and 2004-05 All-Euroleague 1st Team...led the 1998-99 Lithuanian League in assists (5.4 apg.)...led the 1999-00 Euroleague in assists (4.9 apg.)...led the 2003-04 Euroleague in free throws shooting percentage (92,5%)...led the 2003-04 Israeli League RS in three points shooting percentage (57,0%)...named the 2002 Lithuanian Player of the Year...has been member of the Lithuanian Cadets National Team...played at the 1993 European Cadets Championship...has been member of the Lithuanian Junior National Team...won the gold medal at the 1994 European Junior Championship...has been member of the Lithuanian Under-22 National Team...won the gold medal at the 1996 European Under-22 Championship...member of the Lithuanian National Team...played at the 1997, 1999 and 2001 European Championship...won the gold medal at the 2003 European Championship...named the 2003 European Championship MVP...won the bronze medal at the 1998 Goodwill Games...played at the 1998 World Championship...won the bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Games...played at the 2004 Olympic Games.


Talent wise?

Dude, seriously.

It's great that he's a good passer and shooter, but please, he'd need a lot and I mean a lot more talent than that to go top 5.

Jesus do Pacer fans suck it hard.
No. In terms of basketball skills, Sarunas Jasikevicius is currently more skilled than any player in the past draft. Sure, Chris Paul, Deron Williams etc. could end up better, but it's far from a given. Is Sarunas Jasikevicius was as good as he is now coming out of NCAA, he wouldv'e been a top-5 pick. He's a BASKETBALL GOD in Europe. The most beloved player perhaps in European histrory, even more so than Petro or Sabonis. It's almost as if he's a cult hero.

[DesiSpur_21]

Man, with Artest Factor throwing in the "God Factor" on Sarunas, I wonder what Sarunas' real worth.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

OK, we were having a normal discussion, until "The Artest Factor" came and officially declared Jasikevicius a basketball god. Jeez, and you thought we Argentinians were over the top with the Church of Manu, this guy has been canonized without even playing a game for Indiana.


Jasikevicius is considered the greatest point guard in European history. think about the greatness that's come out of Europe, and to think that this guy is the best. That's sick talent. He was 2nd in the league in assists and 17th in scoring. That translates to about 21 ppg, 9.5 apg in the NBA. He's basically a slightly bigger and better shooting and passing Steve Nash. 29 or not, that won't slip past the mid-teens.
In Europe, Saras is to Magic Johnson what Manu is to Clyde Drexler. Basically, Saras skills > Manus skills.
Check out this sick puppies accomplishments..

Mixing crack with weed, mushrooms and booze won't do any good for your health. Jasikevicius isn't considered the best point guard in European history without a doubt. You are comparing him to Magic Johnson, that's wrong. In Europe, Dejan Bodiroga was compared to Magic, because of his passing skills for a man of his size.

Jasikevicius' style has nothing to do with Steve Nash. Nash is quicker and more explosive in penetration, while Jasikevicius is more a traditional PG with better shooting.

Oh, yeah, In Europe Manu=Drexler, Jasikevicius=Magic? Manu had such dominance of the game over there in his last two seasons, that he was even called "Euro Kobe" (without rapping anyone).

Following your very well informed opinion, we can compare other players:
Gasol>Duncan
Petrovic>MJ
Marciulonis>Pippen
Darko>Shaq
Tskitishvili>Larry Bird
Raul Lopez>John Stockton


He's a BASKETBALL GOD in Europe. The most beloved player perhaps in European histrory, even more so than Petro or Sabonis. It's almost as if he's a cult hero.

Cut the crap. Petrovic and Sabonis are both the most respected and admired European players ever. Jasikevicius has a long way to go to get there, for a start, to win a major title with his National Team.

[SoupIsGood]

Opinion based.

Let the dude play one game atleast.


Isn't this entire thread opinion based? I'm pretty sure that was the point of the thread...

[Zmaj]

While Sarunas is definitely a superb player in European standards I think some people expect to much of him in the NBA. I kinda doubt he will ever be anything more than a backup point guard (even with his reputation). Maybe if he went to the NBA a few years ago... I do believe though that he will be one of the better sixth men around, maybe even a contender for the "best sixth man" award, we'll see.

Oh and, at this moment he would probably be drafted somewhere between 20 and 25.

[Dario]

I like that "left hand" remembered petrovic, if you want to talk about greatness, petrovic should be the first in line of european players (and not only for his bb skills) Shame for his early death :(

[SequSpur]

Last.

[The Artest Factor]

Get over people. It doesn't matter where he would've been drafted, the fact of the matter is he's the most popular and one of the most decorated basketball players in Euroleague history.
He was better in the Euroleague than Manu Ginobili ever was, so it's quite reasonable to say he'll be better in the NBA than Manu. And Manu is an All-Star. Albeit an iffy one, similar to Wally Szczerbiak a few years back, but an All-Star none the less.
If Saraunas Jasikevicius went to the Spurs, I can all but gurantee you he would be starting over Tiony Parker before Christmas.

http://www.pacersdigest.com/sarunas/USA_Lithuanie.wmv

Check out that highlight from the Olympics. Saras single handedly defeats Team USA< including Tim Duncan. Lithuania is down 4 with a little over 3 minutes to go. Saras busts out an amazing 4 point play to tie it up, then comes down, drains a 3, comes down again, drains another 3, then sinks 2 free throws in the final seconds to ice it. Thats right, he scored the final 12 points, all in around 3 minutes, in Lithuania's huge win over team USA.
He's Reggie Miller and John Stockton rolled into one.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Get over people. It doesn't matter where he would've been drafted, the fact of the matter is he's the most popular and one of the most decorated basketball players in Euroleague history.
He was better in the Euroleague than Manu Ginobili ever was, so it's quite reasonable to say he'll be better in the NBA than Manu. And Manu is an All-Star. Albeit an iffy one, similar to Wally Szczerbiak a few years back, but an All-Star none the less.
If Saraunas Jasikevicius went to the Spurs, I can all but gurantee you he would be starting over Tiony Parker before Christmas.

http://www.pacersdigest.com/sarunas/USA_Lithuanie.wmv

Check out that highlight from the Olympics. Saras single handedly defeats Team USA< including Tim Duncan. Lithuania is down 4 with a little over 3 minutes to go. Saras busts out an amazing 4 point play to tie it up, then comes down, drains a 3, comes down again, drains another 3, then sinks 2 free throws in the final seconds to ice it. Thats right, he scored the final 12 points, all in around 3 minutes, in Lithuania's huge win over team USA.
He's Reggie Miller and John Stockton rolled into one.
this is good. I was starting to think us Spurs fans were overly homer about our players, but now I understand its every single team. Sarunas is going to be a bust, and you little Pacers won't make the Eastern Conference Finals. Live with it!

[Dario]

Its natural he's happy for his team, like you are with NVA and expecially with finley, with who i believe spurs could build true dinasty if the thing works right. As for sarunas, i'll say it again, many people here never seen any bb games outside of NBA and just dont know much. To say he is unproven player is bullshit, he proved himself so many times with countless of games like that against USA. To say he cant make it to starting PG in NBA is total lack of bb inteligence.
Oh and omg @ comentators at that game, its hilarious :)

[SoupIsGood]

Its natural he's happy for his team, like you are with NVA and expecially with finley, with who i believe spurs could build true dinasty if the thing works right. As for sarunas, i'll say it again, many people here never seen any bb games outside of NBA and just dont know much. To say he is unproven player is bullshit, he proved himself so many times with countless of games like that against USA. To say he cant make it to starting PG in NBA is total lack of bb inteligence.
Oh and omg @ comentators at that game, its hilarious :)


"luh luh luh luh luh luhhhhh!" :lol

[picnroll]

You all have to understand, Jasikevicius is considered the greatest point guard in European history. think about the greatness that's come out of Europe, and to think that this guy is the best. That's sick talent. He was 2nd in the league in assists and 17th in scoring. That translates to about 21 ppg, 9.5 apg in the NBA. He's basically a slightly bigger and better shooting and passing Steve Nash. 29 or not, that won't slip past the mid-teens.
In Europe, Saras is to Magic Johnson what Manu is to Clyde Drexler. Basically, Saras skills > Manus skills.
Check out this sick puppies accomplishments..



No. In terms of basketball skills, Sarunas Jasikevicius is currently more skilled than any player in the past draft. Sure, Chris Paul, Deron Williams etc. could end up better, but it's far from a given. Is Sarunas Jasikevicius was as good as he is now coming out of NCAA, he wouldv'e been a top-5 pick. He's a BASKETBALL GOD in Europe. The most beloved player perhaps in European histrory, even more so than Petro or Sabonis. It's almost as if he's a cult hero.

So I guess you're saying someone will finally put that POS Tinsley on the bench and give the Pacers a half-decent PG.

[fonzy16]

There is/was only one Basketball god in Europe. And his name was Drazen Petrovic. Jasikevicious isnt even close. Not even Sabonis i think.


If Saraunas Jasikevicius went to the Spurs, I can all but gurantee you he would be starting over Tiony Parker before Christmas.

I agree. But Manu better basketball player Sarunas.

[The Artest Factor]

Petrovic is only beloved in Europe because he died so young. Just like anyone else who ever died young (James Dean, Kurt Cobain etc.) he's massively overrated. He was a poor man's Peja Stojakovic, except that Peja can actually lead his team to the playoffs.

[SoupIsGood]

Petrovic is only beloved in Europe because he died so young. Just like anyone else who ever died young (James Dean, Kurt Cobain etc.) he's massively overrated. He was a poor man's Peja Stojakovic, except that Peja can actually lead his team to the playoffs.


Just.









Go.







Away.

[The Artest Factor]

You're annoying and you bring shame to all Pacer fans. And what I said was the truth. Get over it.

[picnroll]

You're annoying and you bring shame to all Pacer fans. And what I said was the truth. Get over it.
I have never, ever asked that anyone be banned. That said, for the love of God please ban this fuckwad.

[SoupIsGood]

You're annoying and you bring shame to all Pacer fans.




Is The Artest Factor talking to himself? Hmm

[ChumpDumper]

And what I said was the truth.Except the Nets did make the playoffs.

[THE X-FACTOR]

If Saraunas Jasikevicius went to the Spurs, I can all but gurantee you he would be starting over Tiony Parker before Christmas.

http://www.pacersdigest.com/sarunas/USA_Lithuanie.wmv

Check out that highlight from the Olympics. Saras single handedly defeats Team USA< including Tim Duncan. Lithuania is down 4 with a little over 3 minutes to go. Saras busts out an amazing 4 point play to tie it up, then comes down, drains a 3, comes down again, drains another 3, then sinks 2 free throws in the final seconds to ice it. Thats right, he scored the final 12 points, all in around 3 minutes, in Lithuania's huge win over team USA.
He's Reggie Miller and John Stockton rolled into one.

Two points after watching that video, number one Stephon Marbury was defending him and running the offense for Team USA, number two he looked like a poor man's Chauncey Billups no where near Reggie Miller and John Stockton rolled into one. I agree he might be able to start for several teams in the NBA but he still won't be a top 10 guard in the league. For those of you that did watch that didn't Odom look terrible on defense.

[2centsworth]

Petrovic is only beloved in Europe because he died so young. Just like anyone else who ever died young (James Dean, Kurt Cobain etc.) he's massively overrated. He was a poor man's Peja Stojakovic, except that Peja can actually lead his team to the playoffs.
I hope you're trying to be stupid.

[THE X-FACTOR]

I hope you're trying to be stupid.

I think they just are...... :king

[Mark in Austin]

Petrovic is only beloved in Europe because he died so young. Just like anyone else who ever died young (James Dean, Kurt Cobain etc.) he's massively overrated. He was a poor man's Peja Stojakovic, except that Peja can actually lead his team to the playoffs.


...and that, ladies and gentlemen, is called showing your ass.