The Latvian forward heads to Turkiye for the first time in his career
Rolands Smits signs for Efes
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Anadolu Efes Istanbul has confirmed the arrival of Rolands Smits on a two-year deal, the club confirmed Saturday. Smits (2.08 meters, 28 years old) has impressed over the last two years at Zalgiris Kaunas, averaging 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and a 10.5 PIR in 31 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season.
Smits's first season at Zalgiris saw him help lead the club to the EuroLeague Playoffs, posting 10.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 10.0 PIR across 34 regular-season games before averaging 3.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and a 2.7 PIR in three playoff fixtures. Over the last two seasons, Smits has played 68 out of a possible 71 games.
Before joining Zalgiris, Smits's first four EuroLeague campaigns came with FC Barcelona, starting in 2018 and going through until 2022. He signed for Barcelona in 2017 but went back to former club Fuenlabrada on loan for the 2017-18 campaign.
In fact, the Latvian forward had only ever played in Spain prior to heading to Lithuania, starting out at Fuenlabrada in 2012 and staying there until 2018. During that time, he spent loan spells at Obila (2012-13), Fundacion Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (2013-14) and Getafe (2014-15).