Is Pablo Laso the only one to blame for Anadolu Efes' struggles?

The article delves into the question of whether coach Pablo Laso bears sole responsibility for Anadolu Efes' performance, particularly their failure to reach the EuroLeague final. It emphasizes the challenging circumstances under which Laso took over the team mid-season, inheriting a squad he did not build and operating under a contract with a 1+1 option. The author points out that Laso has been working to understand his players while competing in Europe's elite league, a task made more difficult by low team morale and a growing list of injured players.

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You came mid-season, you didn't build the team, you have a contract with a 1+1 option. You are trying to get to know the players. Moreover, you are competing in the EuroLeague, Europe's most elite league. In an environment where it is a miracle for your team to reach the Play-In, where motivation has completely dropped due to bad results, and where the caravan of injuries is growing, you are trying to do business.

Despite the team's struggles, which the author suggests made reaching the Play-In stage a near miracle, Laso is portrayed as having maintained a measured and positive approach. He reportedly avoided criticizing referees and generally remained constructive. His only noted instance of complaint came after the Fenerbahçe series, where he commented that "some things were beyond our control." The piece highlights that Anadolu Efes lost to Fenerbahçe, a top EuroLeague team, by narrow margins, including one point twice and one in overtime.

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He did not criticize the referees and always remained positive. He prepared his team very well for the semi-finals.

The author dismisses criticisms regarding game management, such as alleged poor player choices or missed timeouts, labeling them as "nonsense." The article questions who was responsible when the team held an 18-point lead and whether players acted independently. It notes that Anadolu Efes, finishing second-to-last in the EuroLeague, still managed to push Fenerbahçe significantly.

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Some things were beyond our control.

Expressing a personal opinion, the author strongly recommends continuing with Laso, deeming it the most logical solution given his contract. The article also touches upon reports of discussions with other candidates, including Luca Banchi, who was let go two years prior. The author finds it peculiar that discussions are reportedly underway with Banchi if he was deemed unsuitable previously. With many EuroLeague teams already making transfers, the article stresses the need for Anadolu Efes to address its point guard issues and potentially part ways with certain players, warning that delays will increase player market values.

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Was there another coach when the team was leading by 18 points? Or were the players playing on their own?