Following legends such as Ramón Trecet and Andrés Montes, Antoni Daimiel is undoubtedly the voice of the NBA in Spain. He praises the performance of Santi Aldama from Gran Canaria in Memphis, complimenting Granca but does not foresee their advancement to the Cup semifinals.
What are your thoughts on Dreamland Gran Canaria this season?
They are having a commendable season; it’s another year of merit for them. However, the injury to Alocén is a concern, and it will be interesting to see how they address it. I don’t refer to Ngouama here, but their collaboration between Albicy and Alocén was well-structured. Homesley has proven to be a good acquisition, and it appears they have faith in Lakovic as their coach, who is instilling the necessary order in this team they have built. I reiterate, I worry that Alocén’s injury could impact their Cup aspirations, especially considering they are hosting.
What do you predict for the Copa del Rey de Gran Canaria?
The matchup between Tenerife and Barça seems highly competitive, and Joventut could pose a significant challenge for Unicaja. On the opposite side, I see Madrid as favourites against Manresa, and Valencia versus Gran Canaria. I will take a risk and predict that the final will be between the Canary Islands and Valencia.
What has the recent NBA market look like?
It has been quite positive. The activity has been very intense and prolonged. Over the last two Sundays, numerous players have shifted teams, and many of these changes are significant. Now we await to see how these players perform in their new squads.
How do you interpret the Dallas Mavericks’ actions concerning Luka Doncic?
It’s challenging to grasp the initial reasoning. The fundamental question is why a franchise would want to part ways with a player ranked in the top 3 or 4 of the NBA, about to turn 26, after being finalists last year… it’s perplexing. Whether we find out the truth sooner or later, I suspect we will, but I’m unsure if it will be days or weeks. There are some official reasons given that I find hard to believe, as well as some conspiracy theories I’ve heard that don’t sit well with me either. It’s tough to accept that solely wanting more defence is valid, or that they lack trust in a player of his calibre committing to such a long-term deal. This situation is unprecedented. Nonetheless, we must respect Dallas’s sports and financial strategies and assess later, in practice, whether they were right or wrong.
Have the Los Angeles Lakers emerged as the major victors in this transfer period?
Initially, it seemed the Lakers had strengthened their squad with the arrival of Mark Williams, making them a better team. Doncic’s potential partnership with LeBron looked promising, suggesting they would remain competitive in the upcoming years; however, they required a centre. Following that unsuccessful trade, they now find themselves imbalanced. Regardless of how productive the LeBron & Doncic pairing may appear, their current roster, featuring Jaxson Hayes, Koloko, and a yet-to-play Christian Wood, doesn’t seem adequate to compete with the elite. There are names floating about, such as Mo Bamba and Daniel Theis, players without teams, or those who might terminate contracts like Larry Nance Jr and Chris Boucher, who might represent viable options.
Despite these setbacks, do you believe LeBron James and Luka Doncic can coexist on the court?
This debate intrigues me. Some knowledgeable figures, such as Shaquille O’Neal and Paul Pierce, argue that they aren’t compatible since both require significant ball control. Conversely, I heard Clippers coach Tyrone Lue insist that they would surely find compatibility. I tend to lean towards the latter perspective. Since arriving at the Lakers, LeBron has sought players to ease his ball-handling duties and generate plays. At nearly 40, it’s not feasible to manage everything on his own, and he certainly has much experience. Both possess exceptional talent and a profound understanding of the game, which could enable them to develop effective teamwork.
Who do you consider the frontrunners for the NBA championship?
I still believe Boston stands out among the contenders. In the Eastern Conference, Cleveland is proving to be quite an exciting team, while Indiana is currently on an impressive streak. In the West, there are a greater number of contenders, with young teams like Houston and Memphis setting an excellent pace. Although Oklahoma appears to be a top contender, we mustn’t forget the seasoned teams, particularly Denver. We need to see if Golden State, bolstered by Butler, or Minnesota, along with Dallas, can challenge.
Amongst those contenders, the Grizzlies feature Santi Aldama from Gran Canaria, the only Spaniard in the NBA. How do you assess his progress?
He is performing exceptionally well. I think he is achieving the trajectory that should be anticipated for his career progression at this stage. This is the season leading to a potential lucrative contract, which could be the most significant offer of his life or the best yet. His statistics have improved significantly, and he is getting substantial playing time amidst fierce competition on a well-rounded team. The fact that he is the sole Spanish representative makes it challenging for us to recognise his accomplishments fully, but logging over 20 minutes in a team currently ranked second in the West is commendable, and demonstrates Aldama’s worth. He still has ample room for growth.
Do you envision him making the All-Star team, or is that an unrealistic expectation?
That seems like a tall order, although a shift in his situation could prove beneficial, depending on whether he stays in Memphis or transfers. In the NBA, sometimes a higher contract doesn’t always lead to increased respect and opportunities, which can occur with a fresh start next season. I view him as a stable player who remains calm and meets expectations effectively. He rarely displays anxiety and maintains a professional demeanour; he clearly grasps the nuances of the game in the United States. I expect he will continue to improve, and while I have reservations about his All-Star potential, he certainly possesses the skills to strive for it.
What is your stance on the possibility of shortening games to 40 minutes, as suggested by Commissioner Adam Silver?
It is a possibility, but I am opposed to it. I believe that the traditional structure of a competition, especially one as established as the NBA, should remain intact unless there is clear evidence that a change would yield better results. Typically, the NBA comprises many minutes for starters, and with 48 minutes, there is still time for substitutes or secondary players to showcase their talents. Altering this would revolutionise the entire game. Moreover, I am greatly concerned that historical statistics and records would be significantly affected if games suddenly became eight minutes shorter.
What is your view on the trend of teams relying heavily on three-point shots?
This presents a fascinating debate, as opinions vary. It’s evident that the gameplay has become less varied due to the reliance on three-point attempts, yet it’s important to analyse how we arrived at this point. Coaches, advanced analytics specialists, and sports directors are adopting this strategy as it has shown to be more effective in securing victories. The increased efficiency of three-point shooting and reshaped spacing is contributory factors. If the League considers this trend a problem due to reduced diversity in playing styles, they should implement changes that enhance the game without compromising other aspects. However, I believe that the surge in three-point attempts is not solely a criticism levelled at the NBA, as European basketball has also embraced this style of play. For example, Valencia Basket has been performing exceptionally well in the upper tier of the ACB, and if their statistics were to translate into NBA game time, they would rank as the second-highest three-point shooting team after Boston.
