Anadolu Efes officially confirmed guard Saben Lee’s departure today. The team’s announcement stated: “”) Photo: Anadolu Efes S.K. has officially announced the departure of guard Saben Lee, who is now widely expected to continue his career with Zalgiris Kaunas. Efes confirmed the move in a statement, expressing appreciation for Lee’s contributions during his time with the club. ” The 26-year-old is expected to sign a two-year deal. His move marks a significant roster shift for both EuroLeague clubs after he provided crucial scoring for Efes after joining mid-season.
Lee’s exit frees up a backcourt spot for Efes while providing Zalgiris with an established scorer. He averaged 11.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 rebounds across 16 EuroLeague contests for Efes, quickly becoming an integral part of their rotation. This mid-season acquisition proved impactful, boosting Efes’ offensive production and secondary playmaking during the latter half of the campaign. The addition of Lee to Zalgiris is anticipated to immediately bolster their guard depth and offensive options.
Lee’s arrival at Efes mid-campaign demonstrated his ability to quickly integrate and influence a team’s offensive flow. His usage rate with Efes was notably higher than his prior stint, allowing him to operate more effectively in pick-and-roll situations and create shot opportunities. While not a primary isolation scorer, his burst and ability to attack the rim opened up spacing for teammates. For Zalgiris, Lee offers a direct injection of offensive firepower, capable of breaking down defenders one-on-one and generating efficient looks. His assist-to-turnover ratio suggests a player who can manage offensive possessions while still seeking aggressive scoring chances. This acquisition aims to improve Zalgiris’ half-court offense, providing a dynamic guard who can both score and distribute.
Anadolu Efes acknowledged Lee’s contributions in their statement, saying, “We thank him for his contributions to our club and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.” Lee’s expected two-year agreement with Zalgiris Kaunas signifies a commitment to a larger role. This move positions him to be a key offensive piece for Zalgiris heading into the next EuroLeague season, impacting their future tactical schemes and overall team composition.
