This has been an interesting offseason for the EuroLeague finalists and ACB champions, Real Madrid, so far.
Head coach Pablo Laso parted ways with the team after 11 years of service. The Spanish side wanted to keep Laso out for one year after his recent heart attack. However, after the coach refused to step back, Real decided to replace him with his assistant, Chus Mateo.
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
Futhermore, Real Madrid has already signed four players, while three have departed the squad. Mario Hezonja (averaging 14.2 points and 6.1 rebounds with UNICS Kazan) and the top scorer of the ACB last season, Dzanan Musa, (averaging 20.1 points and 5.1 boards with Breogan) are significant additions to the “Whites” roster.
Furthermore, veteran star Sergio Rodriguez has reunited with Real (averaging 8.3 points and 4.5 assists at Milan last season), while big man Petr Cornelie has also signed with the Spanish side, after a great season with the Denver Nuggets’ G League affiliate, Grand Rapids (17.8 points, 12.7 rebounds).
Photo: Real Madrid/Twitter
On the other hand, long-serving veteran Thomas Heurtel has left the team, along with Trey Thompkins and Jeffery Taylor.
Looking forward to the 2022-23 season, Real Madrid needs to maintain its team spirit. It is vital that the “Whites” retained their core, while searching for more transfers that could boost their offensive style.
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
It is undoubtedly challenging for a powerhouse like Real Madrid to change its head coach after so many years and remain unharmed.
However, Chus Mateo is very familiar with the team, since he has been its member for over three decades. Therefore, I believe that he is more than capable of leading Real to both domestic titles and competing in another EuroLeague Final Four next season.
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