Jonathan GivonyA late addition to the roster due to the withdrawal of
Evan Fournier, Lithuanian
Tauras Jogela didn't have a great impact over the course of his week in Portland.
Showing good size for a small forward at 6-7, albeit with an unimpressive 6-5 wingspan, Jogela is a very good athlete who can make plays on both ends of the floor using his solid quickness and leaping ability.
Capable of beating opponents off the dribble with a strong first step, Jogela is more effective in transition than he is in the half-court. His ball-handling skills are average and he tends to force the issue with his dribble, but he's capable of drawing plenty of fouls with the way he attacks the rim.
A below average shooter, Jogela struggled to make jumpers all week long, particularly off the dribble. He did not seem to show a great feel for knowing what his limitations are, playing primarily off his instincts and sometimes being very turnover prone.
Defensively, he showed the ability to get in the passing lanes and stay in front of opposing forwards, even if it's clear he's still adjusting to playing on the perimeter full time.
Once considered one of the most promising prospects in his age group after being named MVP of the U-16 European Championships, playing primarily at the power forward position and taking advantage of his excellent athleticism, his star has faded somewhat over the past few years as other players his age have caught up to him physically. Still, he's having a bounce-back season in Lithuania and surely has the talent to make a good career for himself in Europe if he can continue to hone his perimeter shooting ability and basketball IQ.
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