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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He had already visited Kaunas and got to know Zalgirio Arena from the inside.<\/p>\n
Mitrou-Long, who spoke about Kaunas with former Zalgiris players Brandon Davies and Kevin Pangos, did not hesitate long making his decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Zalgiris\u2019 offer came, I didn\u2019t have to think long. Looking at the traditions, the atmosphere in the arena, which I felt when I played here last year \u2013 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,\u201d Mitrou-Long told Zalgiris TV.<\/p>\n
Full interview with Zalgiris Kaunas rookie will follow on Wednesday.<\/p>\n