Part of our Euroleague Stock watch starts with the prospects who have seen their stock drop or remain stable in the first seven games of the season so far. Tiago Splitter of Tau Vitoria highlights this bunch, with Uros Tripkovic not very far behind.
For an introduction to the NBA draft prospects participating in this competition, including their strengths, weaknesses and the preseason expectations, please read our comprehensive introduction to the Euroleague.
Stock Down
Tiago Splitter, 7-0, Center, 1985, Tau Vitoria
Luis Fernandez
Its been a mix of déjà vu and disappointment in Tiago Splitters season so far. Déjà vu because, as we cautioned in our Euroleague preview 6 weeks ago, Splitter is back to his limited offensive role and defensive-oriented game. Disappointment, because he hasnt showed any meaningful improvement in these few months compared to what he had displayed last season. If anything, hes failing to produce as consistently as he did then, although mainly because of his teams circumstances.
With Predrag Drobnjak replacing Andrew Betts on Taus roster, theres more competition than ever in a big men rotation that also features Euroleague star Luis Scola and a smart, veteran, skilled and reliable player such as Kornel David. Furthermore, despite the results obtained (Tau is tied for first in Group A at 5-2), the team has struggled to show a good enough face, both in terms of intensity and game style, to the point that coach Pedro Martínez was fired a few weeks ago, being replaced by Velimir Perasovic. This instability obviously isnt the best environment for a young prospect to get opportunities on the court. However, this shouldnt be the case with Tiago, whose intensity and defensive level is usually very much appreciated by coaches, with his team really needing it.
Anyway, its the offensive side of his game that draws the biggest question marks right now. Back to the European game, Splitter isnt supposed to take perimeter shots or take his man off the dribble as he did with the Brazilian National Team. In typical fashion, he has perfectly followed the script; not attempting any long-range jumpers and not trying even a single slashing play--which also shows how disciplined he is. So Tiago has basically stuck to his off-the-ball movement near the paint, especially on pick and roll plays, taking advantage of the virtuosity of playmaker Pablo Prigioni who is truly a master in this department.
Beyond that, his low post game doesnt look improved at all, still needing to work on his footwork and finishing skills. His mid-range hook shots are not effective against tall defenders, because he releases them too low, and he rarely goes for the dunk. He also hasnt managed to keep up the nice passing game he showed in the last months of the past season. His decision making hasnt been the best so far either, probably due to some anxiousness and lack of confidence caused by his situation in the team this season, as he has in some games only spent a few minutes on the floor.
All this has certainly damaged his draft stock, virtually erasing any chance of hitting the top spot if the situation continues through the next stage. However, if buyout issues don't hold him back, he should be able to easily get a call in the lottery.
With Predrag Drobnjak replacing Andrew Betts on Taus roster, theres more competition than ever in a big men rotation that also features Euroleague star Luis Scola and a smart, veteran, skilled and reliable player such as Kornel David. Furthermore, despite the results obtained (Tau is tied for first in Group A at 5-2), the team has struggled to show a good enough face, both in terms of intensity and game style, to the point that coach Pedro Martínez was fired a few weeks ago, being replaced by Velimir Perasovic. This instability obviously isnt the best environment for a young prospect to get opportunities on the court. However, this shouldnt be the case with Tiago, whose intensity and defensive level is usually very much appreciated by coaches, with his team really needing it.
Anyway, its the offensive side of his game that draws the biggest question marks right now. Back to the European game, Splitter isnt supposed to take perimeter shots or take his man off the dribble as he did with the Brazilian National Team. In typical fashion, he has perfectly followed the script; not attempting any long-range jumpers and not trying even a single slashing play--which also shows how disciplined he is. So Tiago has basically stuck to his off-the-ball movement near the paint, especially on pick and roll plays, taking advantage of the virtuosity of playmaker Pablo Prigioni who is truly a master in this department.
Beyond that, his low post game doesnt look improved at all, still needing to work on his footwork and finishing skills. His mid-range hook shots are not effective against tall defenders, because he releases them too low, and he rarely goes for the dunk. He also hasnt managed to keep up the nice passing game he showed in the last months of the past season. His decision making hasnt been the best so far either, probably due to some anxiousness and lack of confidence caused by his situation in the team this season, as he has in some games only spent a few minutes on the floor.
All this has certainly damaged his draft stock, virtually erasing any chance of hitting the top spot if the situation continues through the next stage. However, if buyout issues don't hold him back, he should be able to easily get a call in the lottery.