JV is with the team, training and getting ready. He couldn't play in the qualification tournament in Puerto Rico, which will start tomorrow cause he was not under the contract with any team, but if LT qualifies (we are 50+% favorites to come out from this set), JV will join the team for the main event.
LT team is loaded in all positions. Even JV absence is not a big deal. Domas and Motiejunas (he had one of the best years with the Monaco in France) have enough size, skills and experience. Plus I'm pretty high on young PF Ąžuolas Tūbelis. He is very efficient, high motor, strong, tough. LT frontline is very solid (Domas alone is enough to make any frontline one of the best even by himself alone
). PGs, SGs, SFs - that's a scorching scorers, with everyone shooting around 40% on their threes,. LT basketball school is one of the best since 1937 (that year we won first Euro gold, repeated with gold in 1939). Probably the best trade mark of LT bball school - move the ball, move the players. If a player on the court has the chance to make a shot - he'll take it. If not - he will try to make the best pass. One of the best example - 1st quarter against USA in the last world cup. LT made 8/8 of the thres to start and all the makes were completely uncontested.
Needless to say that all Lithuanians around the world next couple weeks will be on the edge. If we won't make to the Olympics - I know for sure that alcohol drinks consumption in Lithuania will increase by at least a third till the end of this month. If we make to Paris - increased consumption will be observed till the end of August. We have a bad habit. ~90% of Lithuanians around the world watch national Team play and when we watch - we tend to harm our health by consuming everything that has alcohol content in it. When the process begin - it's a run away train. No sober days until 2-3 weeks after the tournaments are over. No matter the result. We win - let's celebrate! We bleep up - drown the sorrow and wait the next things to come
Livers and kidneys work overtime non-stop
BTW, I was VERY surprised that JV signed a 3 years 30 mil $$$ contract with Washington Wizards. It was an unexpected choice, contract is at 70%-80% of JV's market value. I think JV just wanted to get that restriction that didn't allow him play for LT out of the way as soon as possible. No need to get sentimental, but that's a true patriot.
Domas is a patriot and a loyal guy too. Kings fans can be relaxed because when the negotiations will begin about Domas new contract with the Kings - he will definitely not squeeze every little penny possible.