Film Festival Series: Domantas Sabonis

What now?

If the film room has revealed anything about Sabonis, it is that he is an acutely talented player. He approaches the game with a steady poise, always scanning the floor for options. Despite his rookie status, he almost has a sense of presence on the court.

Sabonis’ short wingspan will stick with him throughout his career. Part of the solution is simply getting better at his shooting technique so he earns more space for himself. But, by and large, Sabonis and Donovan will have to work out a schematic solution.

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Sabonis may not be the rebounder that he was in college. But, his rebounding acumen needs to be completely eroded. I can imagine Sabonis being active in boxing out opposing big men, so Westbrook can get the rebound and run. Sabonis can then trail the play and either spot up for three or flow straight into dribble hand offs.

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Whether Sabonis sticks with the bench or not will also be determined by Presti’s offseason moves. I hope Gibson gets retained, so Sabonis can continue to thrive in his bench role, and receive guidance from a player frankly not too different from him.

It has been a difficult first year for Sabonis, but I consider it highly fruitful. Hopefully, when we sit through another film session on Sabonis next year, the little Lithuanian legend-to-be will have more to show.

Next week, we look into the Thunder’s raw Pogo stick and his thunderous season.

Film Festival Series:

• Episode 1: Taj Gibson 
• Episode 2: Doug McDermott

All stats courtesy of Basketball Reference