F.C. Barcelona had a disappointing year in basketball in 2018. They had to change coaches in mid-season and did little in either the ACB, the Spanish League, or the Euroleague.
Moreover, they decided near the beginning of the season on what looks now to be a controversial and ultimately self-defeating strategy. No longer would they be a “farm team” for the NBA, Barca official said. So, they benched their two best young players, both NBA prospects: Aleksandar Vezenkov, a 6’9” power forward from Bulgaria, and Rodions Kurucs, a slightly taller wingman from Latvia. Familiar names now for Nets fans.