Kings big man Domantas Sabonis is unlikely to play in the FIBA World Cup, according to Lithuanian national team head coach Kazys Maksvytis. “We all hope that Domantas will play,” Maksvytis said in the Zalgiris on Air podcast, as relayed by BasketNews.com. “However, we all know the valid reasons [that could prevent him from playing]. If I had to say on his chances today, I’d say those chances are less than 50 percent.”
Sabonis said earlier this month he may need surgery on his right thumb. The Kings and Sabonis could also pursue an extension this offseason.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- The Kings were among the teams to inquire about a trade for Wizards wing Bradley Beal but — not surprisingly — Sacramento balked when Washington asked about last year’s lottery pick, Keegan Murray, according to David Aldridge of The Athletic. The Wizards were interested in drafting Murray and tried to move up from the No. 10 pick to select the versatile forward, Aldridge adds.
- Gonzaga big man Drew Timme was among the draft prospects who worked out for the Lakers on Monday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN tweets. Damion Baugh (TCU), Alex Fudge (Florida), Colin Castleton (Florida), Sincere Carry (Kent State) and Hunter Tyson (Clemson) joined Timme at the workout.
- Rui Hachimura‘s market value is projected to be in the $12-18MM starting range, multiple executives told Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. While a majority of teams won’t have more than the $12.2MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception to offer Hachimura, at least seven teams project to have the cap room to put together a substantial offer sheet. Since Hachimura is a restricted free agent, the Lakers can match any offer.
Rui is fine on a 12-13M deal in a 20-24MPG role. He isn’t worth 15-18M, not to the Lakers. If someone is intent on giving him a larger role, maybe he earns that, but hes kind of a fringe starter.
I doubt the Lakers are going to let him walk over $3-$5 million.
I think Rui is going to shock a lotta people next year.
People have been saying that since his freshman year at Gonzaga. No shocks yet.
I’ve been saying the same thing and I really believe he’s going to have a break out year. Let’s hope you’re right
The market determines what a player is worth. There are lesser players earning 18-20. So his agent will smartly aim for that.
Who’s giving Rui 18M? Of the teams currently with practical cap space not needing a S&T… Magic, Pistons, Thunder, Spurs, Jazz, Rockets. Far more likely he gets a MLE deal.