Real Madrid has accelerated its market activity. According to Javier Maestro on Encestando, the white club is seeking a perimeter reinforcement for several reasons: the likely departure of Max Shulga, Gabriel Deck's lengthy injury, and the poor performance of Nick Smith Jr., the latest summer signing.
Shulga, heading for a loan
The Ukrainian point guard has not found his place in the roster. He has had very few minutes and is often one of head coach Pedro Martínez's scratches, partly due to his performance and partly due to the competition ahead of him. His adaptation to a style of basketball very different from the NCAA and G League has been slow, and for the past few days the club and player have been discussing a loan that would allow him to play and continue developing.
The idea is not new: Real Madrid was already considering it in July when they signed him. Shulga, who trained in Spain during his teenage years, counts as a domestic player. For that reason, according to Encestando, he will be offered first to ACB teams before seeking a destination in other European leagues. Last season in the G League with the Maine Celtics, he averaged 15.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
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Nick Smith Jr., the biggest concern
The case that worries most is Nick Smith Jr. The American shooting guard was a personal bet by Pedro Martínez in mid-September, after the head coach rejected other options of NBA free agents in August. He arrived on a one-year contract after averaging around 20 points in the G League and 5.6 in his 36 games with the Lakers. His adaptation, however, is proving slow: in his four Liga Endesa games he is shooting 17% from three-point range.
Pedro Martínez defended him publicly last week, but the head coach himself considers he is far from what was expected of him, according to Encestando. It is too early to talk about a cut, although the club has already held conversations about a possible perimeter signing.
The problem is roster depth. With Sergio Llull, at 38 years old, left out of EuroLeague rosters, Theo Maledon established as point guard, and Alberto Abalde in the small forward position, only two pure shooting guards remain: Smith and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot.
Sarr, no urgency
The other signing that is not performing is Olivier Sarr. The French center, who signed a two-year deal after his NBA stint, is also not convincing, although his case is not urgent: in the paint Real Madrid has plenty of options with Jantunen, Pradilla, and Okeke.