By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague started with a bang, as contenders proved their worth and also results like the win of LDLC ASVEL demonstrated than no one is safe. Prepare yourself for a wild ride as the EuroLeague expansion to 18 teams will make things even more complicated in the playoffs race.
Meanwhile, players who returned from the NBA are already delivering with one of them getting our MVP award.
Eurohoops MVP
Nikola Mirotic
He returned to the EuroLeague with 24 points and four threes, proving that he is going to be one of the marquee names of the league no matter what. Yes, Anadolu Efes was missing key players, still, his performance was something out of Barcelona’s dreams.
Eurohoops Best Five
- Mike James: He got 20 points on 7/7 FG as CSKA Moscow strolled over Valencia on the road. A new era is coming for the “Army Team” with James as the new leader. By the numbers, he is this week’s MVP but we felt victims of Mirotic’s mystic.
- Shavon Shields: With 19 points and five rebounds he led the charge in KIROLBET Baskonia‘s win in Kaunas. It’s still early, but that’s a result that may end up having crucial implications in the playoffs race.
- Jeffery Taylor: He was more than effective in the big win of Real Madrid of Fenerbahce BEKO by scoring 19 points and missing just one shot (8/9 FG). He is one of the unsung heroes of Madrid, but his time to step up in the spotlight might be finally here.
- DeShaun Thomas: He registered his first-ever double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds in Panathinaikos‘ win over Crvena Zvezda. Not bad at all.
- Nikola Mirotic: He is not a center, but this week we are opting for small ball.
Coach of the week: Zvezdan Mitrovic
The Montenegrin coach is one of the up-and-coming names in Europe and the win of LDLC ASVEL over Olympiacos is one more proof for that. On paper, ASVEL is the worst team of the league but Mitrovic and his players proved that on the court they can be more than competitive.
The big issue: Olympiacos
You can drop a game and usually on the opening night, big names may end up being victims of upset. However, Olympiacos was not just outplayed. The question marks for a team that competes this season only in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague are bigger than ever and changes should be made for a turnaround.
