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Olympic NBA Prospect Power Rankings: Knockout Stage

By Matthew Medley

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 07: Dario Saric
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 07: Dario Saric /
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Aug 7, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lithuania power forward/center Domantas Sabonis (11) reacts with power forward Paulius Jankunas (13) in a mens preliminary basketball game against Brazil at Carioca Arena 1 during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lithuania power forward/center Domantas Sabonis (11) reacts with power forward Paulius Jankunas (13) in a mens preliminary basketball game against Brazil at Carioca Arena 1 during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis was one of Lithuania’s best players in the first three games of the tournament, but the team has dropped two in a row and the Oklahoma City Thunder rookie played poorly in both games.

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    • The No. 11 pick of the 2016 NBA Draft (originally selected by the Orlando Magic) was impressive in wins over Brazil, Nigeria, and Argentina. He showed an ability to deliver in crunch time, hitting clutch shots and going toe-to-toe with some of the best frontcourt players in Rio.

    Sabonis scored 25 total points and grabbed total 15 rebounds during Lithuania’s 3-0 start to the tournament, but in its two losses, he scored only seven total points and hauled in just eight boards.

    His play mirrored that of the entire team around him, but it’s discouraging to see the 20-year-old regress in the later stage of the tournament.

    If Lithuania is going to beat a tough Australia team in the quarterfinals, it will need better play from everyone on the roster, including Sabonis.

    His team certainly has a shot at a medal, but the way Spain and Croatia came away with convincing wins in Lithuania’s last two matches, there’s just as good of a chance of an early exit for the team that looked like Group B’s front-runner after three games.

    Next: 4. Patricio Garino