March 24, 2011

[...] Whatever scoring slack Rubio drops, however, Lakovic promptly picks up. Despite the relatively poor percentages he's shot this year, Lakovic is one of the tournament's best shooters, somewhat streaky at times but able to change a game when he's on. Lakovic is also a capable ball handler and pick-and-roll playmaker, although he's less than half of the defender Rubio is. When paired alongside Navarro, an equally threatening yet more consistent shooter, Barcelona's backcourt can be bloody hard to stop. Behind Navarro, Barca had hoped to sign Rafa Martinez from Valencia (more on him later), but when they were unable to get him, they eventually made a midseason move for Alan Anderson, who had begun the season in the D-League after striking out in the summer transfer market. Anderson is experienced at this, having made it to this stage last year with Maccabi Tel-Aviv, and while he's not without his occasional moment of ball dominance, he contributes on both ends, averaging 12.4 points in only 26 minutes per game. (Third string domestic players Victor Sada and Roger Grimau also have roles to play. Sada is a regular contributor with his impression of a flair-less Rubio, while Grimau, a big defensive guard, gives the powerful slashing option not otherwise season outside of Anderson. Italian shooter Gianluca Basile has missed the entire season due to a foot injury and will not return.)

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