Spotlight: Damontas Sabonis

Photo: Euro Hoops

There’s a storm brewing in Indiana whether anyone wants to believe it or not. A huge reason why is because of Hybrid Post Domantas Sabonis, the big man who has been a lightning bolt for the Pacers this season. Sabonis has been getting it done on both ends of the floor, and has been doing it consistently throughout the 2020-21 campaign. Sabonis showed some great potential in 2018-19 almost averaging a double-double (14 PTS, 9.3 REB) in 24.8 minutes of play.

However, for those who watched him play at Gonzaga, you’d be familiar with the talented Lithuanian’s play-style. He is a machine in the post offensively, and rebounds at a high rate. In his last season at Gonzaga, Sabonis averaged 17 points & 11 rebounds per game. Sabonis also is basketball royalty to those really in the game. His father being Lithuanian legend Arvydas Sabonis, one of the original 7 foot Point Center’s and Olympic Basketball legend.

It’s really no surprise that his son is getting it done on both ends as a Hybrid Post. His 2019-20 season was where Sabonis opened up eyes with his versatility averaging 18 PTS, 12 REB, & 5 AST. Notching himself 4 Triple-Doubles that season and only one 30 point game. No one knew what Sabonis would be doing this season, but he’s come in full force this season and is surely here to stay. Being only 24 his best years are certainly ahead, and it’s time we give Sabonis his spotlight in the league as a premiere player.

This season he’s on a tear averaging 21 PTS, 11 REB, and 5 AST with 3 Triple-Doubles. He’s put together four 30 point games already, and is currently 5th in rebounds in the league. Sabonis has also notched 23 Double-Doubles since the season has started. Being a perfect floor spacer in Indiana while being a reliable basket, Pacers Head Coach Nate Bjorkgren is doing the right thing letting Sabonis run wild this season with an average of 37 min per game. Going forward I see Indiana continuing to turn heads this season with a potential playoff run. They’re currently 4th in the Eastern Conference at 15-14 and with the way Sabonis is playing alongside potential All-Star Malcolm Brogdon there’s potential fireworks in Indiana. Not to mention they’re both waiting on the spark plug ability of Caris Levert who’s out recovering from surgery.

Once the three are on the court I expect the Pacers to be a threat in the East, as if they aren’t already with the HP Domantas Sabonis roaming the hardwood.