By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Zalgiris Kaunas is already preparing its plans for the 2019-20 season. If no NBA offer comes along, Sarunas Jasikevicius will likely extend his tenure as the head coach. According to Lithuanian outlet BasketNews roster improvements might be ahead. Lithuanians former Zalgiris players Lukas Lekavicius and Mindaugas Kuzminskas are on the radar for a possible comeback.
On the wing, Lekavicius is the top target. He will replace Nate Wolters if he indeed returns. The 25-year-old guard started his career with the Lithuanian team and left in 2017 to join Panathinaikos OPAP. Thomas Walkup and Leo Westermann are likely to remain part of the roster, the same goes for Marius Grigonis and Edgaras Ulanovas. Arturas Milaknis’ contract is up, but is expected to be retained as well.
The desire to have as many Lithuanian players as possible and Kuzminskas’ possible interest in a return under a prominent role might strike a big deal. It will be probably be up to the 29-year-old forward himself and his final decision on returning to his home country and former club. He played for Zalgiris between 2010 and 2013, before moving on with Unicaja Malaga, the New York Knicks and his current team AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan.
The report also states Brandon Davies and Aaron White are expected to pursue other opportunities during the summer. Perhaps Deon Thompson and Antanas Kavaliauskas will leave as well. However, captain Paulius Jankunas will likely remain and loanee Martinas Geben will be part of the squad. Injured Laurynas Birutis’ future is still under consideration.