Maccabi Tel Aviv Welcomes TJ Leaf Back for Crucial EuroLeague Clash
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv has activated TJ Leaf for their EuroLeague game against Besiktas after he recovered from surgery, potentially impacting Will Reiman's roster spot. The team seeks to improve defense and avoid an 0-2 start in the crucial matchup.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- TJ Leaf returns to Maccabi Tel Aviv's roster for EuroLeague game.
- Will Reiman may be excluded to accommodate Leaf's return.
- Maccabi aims to avoid a 0-2 start after losing their opener.
- Improved defense, especially against three-pointers, is a key focus.
- Besiktas features former Maccabi players like Scottie Wilbekin.
Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to make roster changes for their upcoming EuroLeague home opener against Besiktas in Belgrade, less than 24 hours before the game. Forward TJ Leaf, who missed the team's first European game, has returned to full fitness and is back in coach Oded Katash's plans. One possibility being considered is leaving Will Reiman out of the squad for this crucial matchup.
Maccabi is under pressure after opening their EuroLeague season with an 84-74 loss to Villeurbanne and aims to avoid starting 0-2. Besiktas also lost their opening game, making this a must-win situation for both teams. Leaf's return provides an additional option in the frontcourt, potentially adding outside shooting, rebounding, and flexibility, areas the team seeks to improve after their disappointing start.
The inclusion of Leaf creates a professional dilemma, with Will Reiman being a primary candidate to be left out of the roster. While Reiman is valued by the coaching staff, roster balance might necessitate his exclusion. Coach Katash is looking for increased defensive stability and more offensive options when the team struggles.
A key focus for Maccabi is improving their three-point defense, which was a major weakness in their loss to Villeurbanne, where the opponent made 16 three-pointers. The team is emphasizing ball pressure, defensive switches, and closing out shooters against Besiktas. They believe a more stable defense will allow them to play their style of basketball.
The game in Belgrade will feature several familiar faces for Maccabi, including Scottie Wilbekin, David Dedmonas, Ante Zizic, and Anthony Brown, all of whom have played for Israeli teams. Besiktas is also dealing with injuries, with D'Quann Jeffries and Maik Kotsar out, and Furkan Korkmaz's status uncertain, potentially giving Maccabi a physical advantage in certain areas.