Hapoel Tel Aviv Faces New-Look Real Madrid
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv faces Real Madrid in a rematch of a past playoff series.
- Real Madrid has added new player Nick Smith Jr. after key departures.
- Luka Dončić assisted in the signing of Nick Smith Jr.
- Smith Jr. is an explosive guard compared to NBA players Nunn and Crawford.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to face Real Madrid on Thursday evening, 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 Trey 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 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. He is also likened to Jamal Crawford for his speed and athleticism, intended to be a "sixth man" type player for Real Madrid.
Smith Jr. scored 10 points in 13:29 minutes against Anadolu Efes, despite committing four fouls and drawing three. He is expected to receive significant playing time, though Real Madrid coach Pedro Martínez is emphasizing defense and rebounding. "Luka Dončić helped us sign him," stated Juan Carlos Sánchez of the sports management. "They played together with the Lakers, and Luka helped me sign him."
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