Naz Mitrou-Long to replace Isaiah Taylor in Zalgiris

Zalgiris Kaunas has added the first newcomer to its roster ahead of the upcoming season and at the same time said goodbye to one of its members from last season.

Isaiah Taylor, who joined Zalgiris in the middle of the 2022-2023 season, will be replaced by Naz Mitrou-Long, who comes from EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. Zalgiris and Mitrou-long signed a 1+1 deal.

The Canadian, who turns 30 this summer, spent several years in the NBA and the G-League with the Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers and Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

In the 2021-2022 season, the versatile guard moved to Europe to join Germani Brescia in Italy, before joining Milan in the Euroleague the following season.

In his debut EuroLeague season, Mitrou-Long averaged 17 minutes on the court, scoring 7.4 points, grabbing 2 rebounds and making 2 assists per game. The guard shot 35.2% on three-pointers.

Mitrou-Long, who recently became Italian champion with Milan, averaged 7.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists in almost 20 minutes of action in the domestic league.

He had already visited Kaunas and got to know Zalgirio Arena from the inside.

Mitrou-Long, who spoke about Kaunas with former Zalgiris players Brandon Davies and Kevin Pangos, did not hesitate long making his decision.

"When Zalgiris’ offer came, I didn’t have to think long. Looking at the traditions, the atmosphere in the arena, which I felt when I played here last year – everything seemed logical. By the way, everyone who has played here always says that they become better basketball players when they come. I was interested in that," Mitrou-Long told Zalgiris TV.

Full interview with Zalgiris Kaunas rookie will follow on Wednesday.