By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Sacramento Kings returned to the playoffs last season after a long absence, and they intend to continue being a part of the postseason, led by the walking double-double Domantas Sabonis.
The Lithuanian center is shattering records with his performances this season, notching 55 consecutive double-doubles and leading the league in triple-doubles with 25. Kings’ associate head coach, Jordi Fernandez, is in awe of his ability and contribution to the team.
“He is a very complete player who makes others play, scores, and rebounds. He is physically tough, very professional, hardworking, and a great teammate. We play through him and De’Aaron Fox, who are our team leaders. It is important that the two best players complement each other. That’s how you establish a winning team and organization,” Fernandez said to Marca.
Interestingly, Sabonis didn’t participate in the All-Star game this season, even though he’s almost constantly among the top 10 MVP favorites.
“I believe Sabonis is in his athletic maturity or has just entered it, theoretically around 26-27 years old, and he is performing at a very high level. The fact that he hasn’t been an All-Star is even more reason to keep producing, putting up these numbers, and showing everyone that he’s not only an All-Star but one of the best players in the league.”
Speaking to Marca, Fernandez also discussed Ricky Rubio’s decision to end his NBA career after a break and return to Barcelona.
“I have followed him with a lot of respect. In the end, we all need our time and our space. I have a lot of admiration for acknowledging a problem and wanting to deal with it openly because I believe this will help a lot of people, as we all have moments of vulnerability. I’m very happy to see him on the court. That means he’s much better. I saw him play the other day against Partizan; Ricky organized and dominated the game, leading his team to victory. I believe he will help Barcelona finish very strong in the ACB and in the EuroLeague, with the possibility of winning everything. As a spectator and friend, I am very happy for him and very happy that basketball can have him on the court,” Jordi Fernandez concluded.