Maccabi Tel Aviv Struggles in EuroLeague Opener, Hapoel Tel Aviv Shows Promise

Maccabi Tel Aviv began their EuroLeague season with a concerning lack of intensity and defensive cohesion, reminiscent of the Israeli national football team's struggles against Ireland. Despite a talented roster, the team appeared unprepared for the physical demands and defensive pressure of the league in losses to Panathinaikos and Besiktas. The article suggests potential issues with pre-season preparation, insufficient high-level practice games, or a lack of demanding defensive drills during training.

The team's defensive shortcomings are linked to offensive struggles, as a lax approach in practice translates to being overwhelmed in games. The article highlights that Maccabi did not lose key players in the offseason and even added reinforcements, making the slow start surprising given the continuity from the previous season. Poor defensive transitions and allowing opponents open three-point shots were identified as major problems, contributing to losses against teams like Villeurbanne and Besiktas.

Specific concerns were raised about player performance, particularly Daniel Theis, who has not met expectations. The team lacks a physically imposing and athletic center, with Roman Sorkin requiring a top-tier defender alongside him. Theis, despite his experience, has not significantly improved the team's defense against opposing big men. The article also points to Jaylen Hoard's defensive limitations at the power forward position as a recurring issue that hinders the team.

In contrast, Hapoel Tel Aviv is showing positive signs, with recent wins against Crvena Zvezda and Real Madrid. Elijah Bryant's strong performances are noted, and the addition of Zach LeDay is seen as a significant improvement for the team's frontcourt. Coach Dimitris Itoudis's strategic decisions, such as starting Bruno Caboclo against Edy Tavares, proved effective in the first half against Real Madrid, disrupting their game plan and creating offensive opportunities.

Despite a comeback by Real Madrid in the second half, Hapoel secured a crucial win, demonstrating character and resilience. The team is described as talented, deep, balanced, and self-reliant, with the potential to defeat most opponents. While acknowledging a lack of an athletic guard in the rotation due to Amir Coffey's absence, the article concludes that Hapoel is a strong team, and a reduced decision-making role for Vasilije Micić could further improve their performance.