Hapoel Tel Aviv Faces New-Look Real Madrid

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to face Real Madrid on Thursday at 7:00 PM in a rematch of a playoff series that Real Madrid won 3-1. Since that series, the European runner-up has undergone significant changes, with key players Tray Lyles and Mario Hezonja departing for the NBA. Among the new additions is 22-year-old Nick Smith Jr., who was the 27th overall pick in the NBA draft. Smith Jr. previously played for the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers, splitting time between the NBA and the G League. In his best NBA season, he averaged 9.9 points per game, known as an explosive guard who struggled with three-point shooting and drew comparisons to Kendrick Nunn. Smith Jr. is considered a good scorer with notable athleticism, though he was deemed too selfish to play point guard and too short to be a shooting guard in the NBA. He has also been compared to Jamal Crawford and is known for his exceptional speed, intended to be a "sixth man" type player for Real Madrid. In a recent game against Anadolu Efes, Smith Jr. scored 10 points in nearly 13 minutes, committing four fouls and drawing three. He is expected to receive significant playing time, despite Real Madrid coach Pedro Martínez emphasizing defense and rebounding. "Luka Dončić helped us sign him," stated Juan Carlos Sánchez, a sports director. "They played together on the Lakers, and Luka helped me sign him."