Everyone who watched him play in NBA has seen only a weaker version of Sabonis. When he came to NBA he was 31 years old, slow, overweight, his knees were destroyed, and still was one of the best NBA centers. At his peak, when he played in Europe and for Soviet national team, he was, in my mind, one of 3-4 best players Europe has ever seen. Imagine a 7'4'' center with 3pt shot, incredibly soft shooting touch, sky hooks with both hands, passing and vision of a playmaker. Everyone in Europe knows how big was the rivalry between Yougoslav and Lithuanian national team at the time. I hated him, because no player from our (Yugoslav) team could ever stop him. He was briliant. It was a privilege to watch him play. I am sad that NBA has not seen him at his best. So, comparing him with Olajuwon is not fair, because he was not at his best, when he played aginst Hakeem. However, he dominated David Robinson and a very strong US team in 1988 olympics. Robinson was 23 and Sabonis 24 at the time.
Marko Milanovic When Sabas got his first physicals with the Blazers, the doctor was asked about his condition. The doctor said that Sabas was qualified for a handicapped parking permit due to how awful his knees were. And he still kicked ass!
Marko Milanovic Love your sentiment. The rivalry between you and us was great indeed but it was sport with all of its beauty. No stupid politics, no stupid marketing, just pure basketball. And nothing but respect to Dražen (may he RIP), Vlade, Toni, Peža, Dejan and the rest. They made us angry and the losses painful, but they made the victories sweeter when they came.
He played a gruelling schedule of Euroleague and international competitions. Plus, he played super aggressive went hard to the rim. It took a toll on him, yet he was still effective in the NBA level.
Marko, you know about bball: I guess you are Plavi, no need to say anymore. I come from Spain. You are not really fair to Arvydas: he has been the best center of all time, or on the same level as Bill Russell, Olajuwon, Kareem, Malone... anyway much better than Shaq or dumbass Howard. You know he played a couple of years in Spain: Valladolid (wtf??) and Madrid. He was a monster, even Russell said he was the best player he ever saw. If you allow me, this would be my European all-time-starting 5: D. Petrovic, Nowitzki, Sabonis, Gasol, Bodiroga/Navarro.. Take care.
by the time he arrived to NBA he had both achilles tendonds torn,broken ankles and knee problems,it`s a miracle that after these injuries he continued to play and still put up decent numbers in the NBA,i`ve seen him in his prime,he was god of basketball.When he was 40yrs old he still played in euroleugue for his home team it was his promise to end it where everything started,he had no competition,MVP of that season,at 40yeras old :))one of the greats
dejauasLT In the 2000 Conference Finals it was said before tipoff he couldn’t move, specifically his ankle after his teammates manipulated his ankle he felt a click and he could move his ankle and got 22 points that night
No question he would put the Bulls into foultrouble every game just like Shaq did against teams and Sabonis was bigger and way better passer and handler of the ball!
After that he came back to Lithuania, and won EuroLeague's Regular Season MVP and Playoff's MVP in 2003-2004 season with his hometown team Zalgiris Kaunas, at the age of 40.
I cry watching him for one reason. He played with so many injuries and never talked about it. He played for the love of the game.I tear up even typing that. He played with pain just to stay in the game and all they he knew. His background was so far superior to most everybody on the court at times in games,and when he would make one of his fantastic moves,you could tell thru the injuries were taking a toll. I have never loved a player in any sport til I met Sabas. A sweet man with such grace.
Sabonis was hands down one of the best players to ever play Basketball. Not best Centers but PLAYERS, it's unfortunate us Americans didn't get a chance to see him play in the NBA when he was younger.
+bnicedagreat You American's didn't see him in the NBA when he was younger because he had several and severe injuries in his early carreer in Europe. We the Europeans had the chance to see him a lot of times at his best.
Why no mention of his devastating injuries? He had, if I recall correctly, two achilles injuries. That modified the way he walked and ran. It completely diminished his explosiveness and jumping ability. When he entered the NBA in 95, he was far from his prime, not only because of his age, but because of his physical state. Even in 1986, in the World Cup, he was hurt, but he played. In fact, he played almost no preparation games for that tournament in 86 because he was hurt. It would have been great to have seen Sabonis in the 84 Olympics.
I hate David Stern's smirk when he announced Sabonis' pick by the Blazers. Portland was very forward thinking in their selection of Sabonis. You put Sabonis on the Blazers in his prime, and NBA history as we know it would've been substantially different. Prime Sabonis+Prime Jerome Kersey, Terry Porter, and Clyde Drexler=championships.
Definitely. I'm not even a Blazers fan but I know the 90s would have been different with sabonis. I believe they could have given the showtime lakers a run for their money and also the Bulls.
I don't know about championships, but that 91 series could have been the start of one hell of a rivalry with the Bulls. Plus it would have been incredible to see him and Hakeem go head to head those years.
I used to see him leave his apartment some mornings when I passed by where he lived on my way to school. Went to the same school he did, he was and still is a legend in Lithuania :)
Our flowers are yours Sabonis! I been thinking about and remembering you lately. Can't imagine the greatest era of centers with you in it through the 80's and 90's. Wouldn't have been fair! Anyway im a diehard lifelong Laker fan...we remember you and respect you and honestly...after the Lakers got through the Blazers...I was never afraid of any team ever again. Salute Arvydas Sabonis! And it's awesome seeing your son play today
USA and NBA fans need to realiz that the version of Sabonis they got to see was 30 % of his real talent. At that time he was way over his prime. Imagine if european fans knew nothing of Michael Jordan and then in year 2001 MJ decided to play in europe for some club. They would have a much different opinion of him because they never go to see what he did from his colegge days until 1998.
I have lived in Oregon all my life I have lived in Portland since I was 20 years old in 1999. I love the Portland Trailblazers I have always loved the Portland Trail Blazers. Arvydas Sabonis was one of my favorite players and I hope that they eventually soon retire his number in Portland
Wow, I had never seen or heard of this side of him. I always thought that he was just a big slow player. He was awesome, graceful, fast, skilled, very cool. Thank you for the video
Very unfortunate true story about how Sabonis got hurt. I never got to play against him but Lithuanians had teams in most of the big cities that traveled around and played. I was the shooting/point guard on the New York team. We had a tournament in Chicago in 1985 and I really wanted to play against him but the rounds worked out wrong and I ended up watching him play. There is a really sad story about him that basically all the Lithuanian ballplayers at this one party know. Sabonis too of course. I am amazed that by now it has not come out. It was the night before the finals, he still had 2 good knees, no injuries that I knew about. He was going to play in the finals against the Chicago Lithuanian team the next morning for the championship. I got to even talk to him at the party, really nice guy and watching him play on two good legs was out of this world. Unbelievable passer, and was fast before getting hurt. He was leaving the party, his team had to play early the next day, Sunday, was lit and fell down the stairs wrecking I think it was his right knee. That is the dope on Arvy.
in 2003-2004 Sabonis won All Euroleague season MVP award at the age of 40. 2nd strongest league in the world... it's simply amazing. he still plays basketball, and he could probably play 10 min/game at any level at the age of 50.
imagine what would have been had this guy came early in the NBA.. he went to WCF as a Trail Blazer being so OLD. he wrecked havoc too being 31 year old rookie.
Imagine if Sabonis arrived in NBA earlier. Sabonis in Portland, Olajuwon in Houston, Robinson in San Antonio, Mutombo in Denver. Damn, the West was stacked with great centers. And to think if Jordan faced Portland in 92 with Sabonis playing, things would have been a whole lot different for sure
Even with Jokic making a strong case A Sabonis is the best passing center I ever had the pleasure to watch. He not only saw the floor in a completely different way but put the pass on the money like a point guard. Whether flipping it over his head or zipping a behind the back pass they were on point and not at a guys knees or over his head
When he joined Portland, he was already beaten up. Bad knees, bad ankles. Still, he schooled every center in the league at some point. Great, great player..Karim, The Dream and him are the best centers ever in my book..
If he would have been on the Portland trail blazers in the early 90's like he was suppose to in his prime the blazers would have dominated the bulls for the NBA ever year
I love these videos, i'm only 16, and i love basketball, but i diden't know much about the old players, and i love how i can learn about other players than the once in the nba right now.
I remember back in the 90´s... what a beast ! He was an excellent center, now I know he was 31 years old rookie, amazig ! He´s one of the best center in basketball history.
Wikipedia- "After the 1994-95 European season, Sabonis and Portland contacted one another about a move to the NBA. Before signing Sabonis, Portland's then-general manager Bob Whitsitt asked the Blazers team physician to look at Sabonis' X-rays. Illustrating the impact of Sabonis' numerous injuries, Whitsitt recalled in a 2011 interview that when the doctor reported the results, "He said that Arvydas could qualify for a handicapped parking spot based on the X-ray alone."
You want to talk about what ifs... imagine Sabonis comes to Portland in 1989. You know Sabonis would have had no problem sliding right in and playmaking as a cohesive unit with the Trailblazers. The Trailblazers were one of the best teams in the NBA, but couldn't quite get over the hump in 89, 90, and 91. But with Sabonis? It's hard not to imagine they would have multiple championships. Then, who knows, we may be talking about Michael Jordan in a completely different light as a good player that was able to win a couple against the Blazers dynasty. So many what ifs for Blazer fans.
The best basketball player in the history of the sport. Sad we didn't get to see his full potential, everyone would be mentioning Sabonis as TBE, not MJ
almost. it's quite different, in Europe everyone plays relying on their basketball IQ, ball handling, shooting but in the NBA athleticism is on another level. but athleticism doesn't mean shit without basketball IQ
@@clarence02875 Nah, it's not even close, NBA is and was far stronger. However the way Sabonis dominated Europe was unseen, many matches it looked as if he was playing against kids. The only times where he had the chance to go against NBA greats in his prime, he dominated also (for example against David Robinson)
at 33, he average 16ppg and 10rpg. WTF? 33 in basketball is a kind of declining stat, also he's playing with an injury. Imagine he's playing at the age of 23 and healthy... wow.... He made an impact to the nba in his short time thought. Why didn;t he play when got drafted?
Shout out to the countries over seas, putting out talent left, right and center. It’s a true honor to see them want to come to america and showcase what their about.
Ok these my estimates: 1. 1987 Arvidas Sabonis (Sabas) will be Rookie of the year, but The Blazers will end in Western Conference Semifinal by LA Lakers 2. In 1988 Sabas (Arvidas Sabonis) will play in NBA All Stars Games, but his team's The Blazers will knocked by LA Lakers in Western Conference Final 3. In 1989 finally Sabas will play in NBA Final, but unfortunately, they will defeat by The Pistons 4. Sabas will get the first World Champion in 1990, and in NBA Final The Blazers will de feat The Pistons 4-2. And he will awarded by NBA MVP 5. In 1991 the peak of Sabas, in 1990-91 with 25/26 years old, he will make The Blazers with 72-10, and will give the 2nd World Champions. In NBA Finals Sabas and the Blazers, will pass The Bull 4-2. Personally he will awarded by NBA MVP, NBA MVP, and DPOY 6. In 1992 MJ will beat The Blazers in NBA Final 7. In 1993 Sabas will give 3rd World Champions for The Blazers, and indefinitly Sabas will get 3rd NBA MVP and DPOY 8. In 1994 & 1995 MJ will get 2nd and 3rd World Champions 9. In 1996 Sabas will give 4th World Champions for The Blazers 10. In 1997 and 1998 MJ will give The Bulls the 4th and 5th World Champions 11. In 1999 San Antonio will get the first World Champions. The end of Bull's Dynasty era 12. In 2000 Sabas will give 5th World Champions for The Blazers. Sabas will be NBA Final MVP. Finally the end of Sabas era. Notes: Sabas and MJ awarded his teams and personal by 5th World Champions. Sabas and MJ the best talent in 1990's era
Sabonis was pretty explosive for a 7'4 guy. He was pretty strong guy too. Reason why his knees went out was because he played with reckless abandon, he still put up some decent numbers with bad knees in the NBA.
To me he is clearly up there with the best centers of all time (Wilt, Russell, Hakeem, Shaq, Kareem). And arguably the best european player ever, only matched by Dirk. Sadly he got to the NBA at 31+ years old and without knees
Even the older and slower Sabonis (he did battle sore ankles and knees and also tore his Achilles when he was younger) was beautiful to watch. At 7 foot 3 he didn't really need to jump and dunked with ease, had a beautiful jumpshot and hookshot and those passing skills. He was also one of the strongest players ever to play.
All i can say that i am proud of Arvydas Sabonis. i mean he is a legend he did so much and ppl knows so less. I am lithuanian myself. and basketball is in my blod. i remember when i met Sabonis. it was amazing. he is really caring. All i can say that u will never find anyone even close to him. Leged from The biggest "L"!!! L!I!E!T!U!V!A!!!!!
Sabonis was incredible if you ever look at his per 36 numbers even when he was in the league he was 17,10, and 3 asts. Had he been in his prime when he was young and healthy he would have dominated the league along with guys like Ewing, shaq, Robinson, Hakeem
At first I was thinkign how could he be in the hall of fame just by looking at his career numbers in the nba, 14 ppg, 9 rebounds pg.....but now I know....Im in my 20's so although I remember him playign in portland I didnt knwo how great of a player he really was. He really is one of the best ball players of all time.
I Sabonis was my favorite player as a kid growing up in Oregon, it's only a shame he didn't come to the US when he was younger and before his injury issues.
At 40 years old and his last season, he won Euroleagues MVP award. Young Sabonis was amazing, NBA Sabonis was 40% of him left, because of Soviet Union regime
If he did not have the injuries, and came to the NBA early, we would be talking about GOAT. A 7-3 who could play like a point guard, shoot 40% threes, dunk, defend block. Unicorn.
Young fellas just don't know. This guy was the best player to play the game. He could do almost everything, shoot, pass, dribble, dunk. If he hadn't had all those knee injuries ( he was literally playing with one knee on the NBA), he would probably become one of the best players ever, even though he was 31 when he first played there. But no, you just have to talk about Howard or Shaq... Omg this guy was the best all-around player I 've ever seen...at 7'3. What the hell... Go watch Heat...
Neither of them got even close to stopping him if that's what you mean. Sure anyone can stand and guard him, TRY and stop him but he shot 60% on Rodman and triple teams and pood for 30+ every game vs Sabonis and Sheed and more ..
Darude Sandstorm Don't have a clue about what you just said. Hakeem is in another universe to Duncan, Duncan is one of the greatest so that doesn't matter and is obvious.
Darude Sandstorm tim duncan could not stop shaq..just because shaq had a hard time guarding tim (whos is the best PF of all time) does not mean that tim could stop him...saying someone is hard to guard does not mean they can stop you on the other end...
Proud to be from the country, that has the most beautiful women in the world, handsome, smart and strong men (strongest man in the world is also Lithuanian), one of the best basketball teams in the world. And this country has only 3 million people.
up there with connie hawkins as one of the best players who never played in the NBA during their prime. both suffered some unfortunate injuries as well.
There was one year the blazers were so damn close to beating the Lakers, if they would've advanced past them there's no doubt in my mind that team would have gotten a ring. Sabonis, Pippen, Steve Smith, Bonzi Wells, Rasheed Wallace, jermaine o'neal, Brian Grant, Damon Stoudamire... god that team was good.
![Arvydas Sabonis [23pts/10reb] VS Shaquille O'Neal [27pts/8reb] - 1997](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dwUIWhYOqVs/mqdefault.jpg)
![Arvydas Sabonis [23pts/10reb] VS Shaquille O'Neal [27pts/8reb] - 1997](/img/tr.png)
Everyone who watched him play in NBA has seen only a weaker version of Sabonis. When he came to NBA he was 31 years old, slow, overweight, his knees were destroyed, and still was one of the best NBA centers. At his peak, when he played in Europe and for Soviet national team, he was, in my mind, one of 3-4 best players Europe has ever seen. Imagine a 7'4'' center with 3pt shot, incredibly soft shooting touch, sky hooks with both hands, passing and vision of a playmaker. Everyone in Europe knows how big was the rivalry between Yougoslav and Lithuanian national team at the time. I hated him, because no player from our (Yugoslav) team could ever stop him. He was briliant. It was a privilege to watch him play. I am sad that NBA has not seen him at his best. So, comparing him with Olajuwon is not fair, because he was not at his best, when he played aginst Hakeem. However, he dominated David Robinson and a very strong US team in 1988 olympics. Robinson was 23 and Sabonis 24 at the time.
Marko Milanovic When Sabas got his first physicals with the Blazers, the doctor was asked about his condition. The doctor said that Sabas was qualified for a handicapped parking permit due to how awful his knees were. And he still kicked ass!
Marko Milanovic Love your sentiment. The rivalry between you and us was great indeed but it was sport with all of its beauty. No stupid politics, no stupid marketing, just pure basketball. And nothing but respect to Dražen (may he RIP), Vlade, Toni, Peža, Dejan and the rest. They made us angry and the losses painful, but they made the victories sweeter when they came.
He played a gruelling schedule of Euroleague and international competitions. Plus, he played super aggressive went hard to the rim. It took a toll on him, yet he was still effective in the NBA level.
+Statuatory Grape (KTF0) The problem was that the doctors in USSR had no idea how to treat the injuries that he suffered to his achiles and knees.
Marko, you know about bball: I guess you are Plavi, no need to say anymore. I come from Spain. You are not really fair to Arvydas: he has been the best center of all time, or on the same level as Bill Russell, Olajuwon, Kareem, Malone... anyway much better than Shaq or dumbass Howard. You know he played a couple of years in Spain: Valladolid (wtf??) and Madrid. He was a monster, even Russell said he was the best player he ever saw. If you allow me, this would be my European all-time-starting 5: D. Petrovic, Nowitzki, Sabonis, Gasol, Bodiroga/Navarro.. Take care.
by the time he arrived to NBA he had both achilles tendonds torn,broken ankles and knee problems,it`s a miracle that after these injuries he continued to play and still put up decent numbers in the NBA,i`ve seen him in his prime,he was god of basketball.When he was 40yrs old he still played in euroleugue for his home team it was his promise to end it where everything started,he had no competition,MVP of that season,at 40yeras old :))one of the greats
dejauasLT In the 2000 Conference Finals it was said before tipoff he couldn’t move, specifically his ankle after his teammates manipulated his ankle he felt a click and he could move his ankle and got 22 points that night
It would be correct to say - he simply could not jump and barely could run
It's sad we never got to see him in the NBA during his prime.
9 years wasted because of wars and Russia and the US are at it again smh
Blame it on the USA and Russia
Only sad if you only believe NBA is basketball, there is more to the sport than NBA.
F those commies
@@redman6790 yes but NBA is probably the most competitive league in basketball
He's not your vydas, he's not my vydas, he's Arvydas.
Ourvydas
@Groovy J 😁
@Groovy J hahahahH why is this so funny
Haha...nice one
And he looks like a dad
Sabonis is my all time favorite player.
If only the blazers got him at the right time. The 90's would have been blazers' dynasty. Not bulls dynasty.
No question he would put the Bulls into foultrouble every game just like Shaq did against teams and Sabonis was bigger and way better passer and handler of the ball!
After that he came back to Lithuania, and won EuroLeague's Regular Season MVP and Playoff's MVP in 2003-2004 season with his hometown team Zalgiris Kaunas, at the age of 40.
Jarek4GamingDragon and the Fact David Stern made sure the Refs favored the Bulls
WHAT A HOT TAKE
A center that can do everything from shoot 3s, low post offense, pass, defend and rebound like nobody's business. He's a game changer.
I cry watching him for one reason. He played with so many injuries and never talked about it. He played for the love of the game.I tear up even typing that. He played with pain just to stay in the game and all they he knew. His background was so far superior to most everybody on the court at times in games,and when he would make one of his fantastic moves,you could tell thru the injuries were taking a toll. I have never loved a player in any sport til I met Sabas. A sweet man with such grace.
Sabonis way past his prime and dealing with nagging injuries still was one of the few players who held his own against a prime Shaq.
Sanonis couldn't avoid big injuries because of his height... He was a wonder of nature. Just like durant is 6 11 or 7 feet and moves like a 6 2 guy...
Sabonis was hands down one of the best players to ever play Basketball. Not best Centers but PLAYERS, it's unfortunate us Americans didn't get a chance to see him play in the NBA when he was younger.
+bnicedagreat You American's didn't see him in the NBA when he was younger because he had several and severe injuries in his early carreer in Europe. We the Europeans had the chance to see him a lot of times at his best.
Nope Derrick rose is better
@@st4r444Derrick Rose..?
@@st4r444shut up, loser
You see flashes of Arvydas in Domantas's play. As a Pacers fan, I'm happy about that.
johnnystir you see a bit with Jocik.
@@karlanthonymargate7362 you see Arvydas in Jokic.
Why no mention of his devastating injuries? He had, if I recall correctly, two achilles injuries. That modified the way he walked and ran. It completely diminished his explosiveness and jumping ability. When he entered the NBA in 95, he was far from his prime, not only because of his age, but because of his physical state. Even in 1986, in the World Cup, he was hurt, but he played. In fact, he played almost no preparation games for that tournament in 86 because he was hurt. It would have been great to have seen Sabonis in the 84 Olympics.
I hate David Stern's smirk when he announced Sabonis' pick by the Blazers. Portland was very forward thinking in their selection of Sabonis. You put Sabonis on the Blazers in his prime, and NBA history as we know it would've been substantially different. Prime Sabonis+Prime Jerome Kersey, Terry Porter, and Clyde Drexler=championships.
Definitely. I'm not even a Blazers fan but I know the 90s would have been different with sabonis. I believe they could have given the showtime lakers a run for their money and also the Bulls.
Sabonis was amazing. We missed out not seeing him in his prime. He was still so much fun to watch though! I loved his game.
That irritated me when Rasheed did that.
I don't know about championships, but that 91 series could have been the start of one hell of a rivalry with the Bulls. Plus it would have been incredible to see him and Hakeem go head to head those years.
Then was a cold war time i do understad stern
I used to see him leave his apartment some mornings when I passed by where he lived on my way to school. Went to the same school he did, he was and still is a legend in Lithuania :)
Congrats to his son for being drafted!
Scalabrine
JustMenas lol Domantas
@@kaiser741 Clown.
Now hes boy is an ALL STAR
His boy ain't exactly chopped liver, either.
Our flowers are yours Sabonis! I been thinking about and remembering you lately. Can't imagine the greatest era of centers with you in it through the 80's and 90's. Wouldn't have been fair! Anyway im a diehard lifelong Laker fan...we remember you and respect you and honestly...after the Lakers got through the Blazers...I was never afraid of any team ever again. Salute Arvydas Sabonis! And it's awesome seeing your son play today
USA and NBA fans need to realiz that the version of Sabonis they got to see was 30 % of his real talent. At that time he was way over his prime. Imagine if european fans knew nothing of Michael Jordan and then in year 2001 MJ decided to play in europe for some club. They would have a much different opinion of him because they never go to see what he did from his colegge days until 1998.
armin38822
You can tell he was a beast. In his first NBA year he put up 22 and 12 per 36 and an All-Star level PER.
+EGarrett01 It needs to mention, as a 31 years rookie.
the commies overused him
NBA fans do know that Sabonis was broke down when he got there. Everyone respected that dude’s game.
A legend just like Drazen Petrovic.
I have lived in Oregon all my life I have lived in Portland since I was 20 years old in 1999. I love the Portland Trailblazers I have always loved the Portland Trail Blazers. Arvydas Sabonis was one of my favorite players and I hope that they eventually soon retire his number in Portland
Wow, I had never seen or heard of this side of him. I always thought that he was just a big slow player. He was awesome, graceful, fast, skilled, very cool. Thank you for the video
And he was doing at 290+ pounds..
Very unfortunate true story about how Sabonis got hurt. I never got to play against him but Lithuanians had teams in most of the big cities that traveled around and played. I was the shooting/point guard on the New York team. We had a tournament in Chicago in 1985 and I really wanted to play against him but the rounds worked out wrong and I ended up watching him play. There is a really sad story about him that basically all the Lithuanian ballplayers at this one party know. Sabonis too of course. I am amazed that by now it has not come out. It was the night before the finals, he still had 2 good knees, no injuries that I knew about. He was going to play in the finals against the Chicago Lithuanian team the next morning for the championship. I got to even talk to him at the party, really nice guy and watching him play on two good legs was out of this world. Unbelievable passer, and was fast before getting hurt. He was leaving the party, his team had to play early the next day, Sunday, was lit and fell down the stairs wrecking I think it was his right knee. That is the dope on Arvy.
One of the best ever players .....miss this legend!!!!amazing skills
in 2003-2004 Sabonis won All Euroleague season MVP award at the age of 40. 2nd strongest league in the world... it's simply amazing. he still plays basketball, and he could probably play 10 min/game at any level at the age of 50.
After watching NBA so much, i never seen so talented big man, he can do every move, guy is just incredible.
imagine what would have been had this guy came early in the NBA.. he went to WCF as a Trail Blazer being so OLD. he wrecked havoc too being 31 year old rookie.
hooooooooooly lithuania
Imagine if Sabonis arrived in NBA earlier.
Sabonis in Portland, Olajuwon in Houston, Robinson in San Antonio, Mutombo in Denver. Damn, the West was stacked with great centers.
And to think if Jordan faced Portland in 92 with Sabonis playing, things would have been a whole lot different for sure
Even with Jokic making a strong case A Sabonis is the best passing center I ever had the pleasure to watch. He not only saw the floor in a completely different way but put the pass on the money like a point guard. Whether flipping it over his head or zipping a behind the back pass they were on point and not at a guys knees or over his head
th-cam.com/video/DNR0_mWUVfc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HQAQqierkMAjVcws
what a shame we had to miss him at his very best
best center EVER !!!!!! a real Lithuanian legend !!!!
Im from Lithuania!! Sabonis Arvydas is now trainer of team Kauno ,, Žalgiris"!!!!
Lithuanian Legend :))
Great Arvidas, best European B-Baller ever along with Dirk. Respect from Greece
When he joined Portland, he was already beaten up. Bad knees, bad ankles. Still, he schooled every center in the league at some point. Great, great player..Karim, The Dream and him are the best centers ever in my book..
If he would have been on the Portland trail blazers in the early 90's like he was suppose to in his prime the blazers would have dominated the bulls for the NBA ever year
He was on court a real magician.. I'd wish to see him when he was chosen on draft, not after.. As a center, the best of European history
not only the best center,he's definitely one of the best of the best players in history
Never heard Detlef Schempf comment on him. That’s a great perspective on how great Arvydas was.
Love the Career Retrospective series
I love these videos, i'm only 16, and i love basketball, but i diden't know much about the old players, and i love how i can learn about other players than the once in the nba right now.
I used to like Oneal and Sabonis go at it. They really had great battles and it was always to represent the West in the finals.
Extremely underrated player. Not hard to make the case that a prime Sabonis is a top 5 all-time player
I'm pretty sure he was constantly dealing with knee problems by the time he came to Portland
Yup. He joined the NBA way past his prime and with terrible knees. But he still managed to put up really decent numbers.
achilles injurys
Best passer center and one of the most talented ever seen.
finally video about Sabonis, wow!
I remember back in the 90´s... what a beast ! He was an excellent center, now I know he was 31 years old rookie, amazig !
He´s one of the best center in basketball history.
Wikipedia- "After the 1994-95 European season, Sabonis and Portland contacted one another about a move to the NBA. Before signing Sabonis, Portland's then-general manager Bob Whitsitt asked the Blazers team physician to look at Sabonis' X-rays. Illustrating the impact of Sabonis' numerous injuries, Whitsitt recalled in a 2011 interview that when the doctor reported the results, "He said that Arvydas could qualify for a handicapped parking spot based on the X-ray alone."
That's crazy
Lithuania is proud of Arvydas Sabonis, he is the best player in all time!
Sabonis was a legend and one of the greatest European players ever. Shout out from Yugoslavia.
You want to talk about what ifs... imagine Sabonis comes to Portland in 1989. You know Sabonis would have had no problem sliding right in and playmaking as a cohesive unit with the Trailblazers. The Trailblazers were one of the best teams in the NBA, but couldn't quite get over the hump in 89, 90, and 91. But with Sabonis? It's hard not to imagine they would have multiple championships. Then, who knows, we may be talking about Michael Jordan in a completely different light as a good player that was able to win a couple against the Blazers dynasty. So many what ifs for Blazer fans.
th-cam.com/video/DNR0_mWUVfc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HQAQqierkMAjVcws
Awww Arvidas ... great memories ! stole some passes from him ... :)
still use them today
Sabonis was great!
He was a beast. Shaq and the rest of the centres were lucky they never met a prime time Sabonis.
He is a humble giant of a man.I watched him play since I was 4 years old (thats 1986) and he was and will allways be my hero 👊
The best basketball player in the history of the sport. Sad we didn't get to see his full potential, everyone would be mentioning Sabonis as TBE, not MJ
does the talent he's competing against in Europe on the same level as the talents in the Nba?
almost. it's quite different, in Europe everyone plays relying on their basketball IQ, ball handling, shooting but in the NBA athleticism is on another level. but athleticism doesn't mean shit without basketball IQ
@@clarence02875 Nah, it's not even close, NBA is and was far stronger. However the way Sabonis dominated Europe was unseen, many matches it looked as if he was playing against kids. The only times where he had the chance to go against NBA greats in his prime, he dominated also (for example against David Robinson)
@@clarence02875 he dominated NBA players aswell, just accept the fact that eastern europe houses some of the best basketball players
Arvydas Sabonis is the best Lithuanian has ever produced!
at 33, he average 16ppg and 10rpg. WTF? 33 in basketball is a kind of declining stat, also he's playing with an injury. Imagine he's playing at the age of 23 and healthy... wow....
He made an impact to the nba in his short time thought. Why didn;t he play when got drafted?
He did not one injury but many. Achilles, back, knees... You name it.
There is one thing in World history which we call the Cold War. This is whay he didn't play when he got drafted.
he would be averaging 25 18 8 if he was in nba at his prime and healthy.
@@NostalgicMem0ries Try 28 ppg, 14 rpg and 7 apg with 2 steals and 4 blocks.
To think when he finally made it to the NBA he was approximately Bill Walton with less mobility.
DAAAAMN ... ALL THESE MEMORIES
Shout out to the countries over seas, putting out talent left, right and center. It’s a true honor to see them want to come to america and showcase what their about.
Best passing big
Sabonis, Stoudemire, Wallace, made being a Blazer fan in the 90s so exciting. Management has completely ruined the Blazers since the mid 2000's
If Sabonis came to the Nba right when he got drafted,he would be in the conversation for greatest center of all time
Perhaps even the greatest player...the bulls woulda had absolutely no answer for him inside & he'd spread the floor for drex n porter.
Ok these my estimates:
1. 1987 Arvidas Sabonis (Sabas) will be Rookie of the year, but The Blazers will end in Western Conference Semifinal by LA Lakers
2. In 1988 Sabas (Arvidas Sabonis) will play in NBA All Stars Games, but his team's The Blazers will knocked by LA Lakers in Western Conference Final
3. In 1989 finally Sabas will play in NBA Final, but unfortunately, they will defeat by The Pistons
4. Sabas will get the first World Champion in 1990, and in NBA Final The Blazers will de feat The Pistons 4-2. And he will awarded by NBA MVP
5. In 1991 the peak of Sabas, in 1990-91 with 25/26 years old, he will make The Blazers with 72-10, and will give the 2nd World Champions. In NBA Finals Sabas and the Blazers, will pass The Bull 4-2. Personally he will awarded by NBA MVP, NBA MVP, and DPOY
6. In 1992 MJ will beat The Blazers in NBA Final
7. In 1993 Sabas will give 3rd World Champions for The Blazers, and indefinitly Sabas will get 3rd NBA MVP and DPOY
8. In 1994 & 1995 MJ will get 2nd and 3rd World Champions
9. In 1996 Sabas will give 4th World Champions for The Blazers
10. In 1997 and 1998 MJ will give The Bulls the 4th and 5th World Champions
11. In 1999 San Antonio will get the first World Champions. The end of Bull's Dynasty era
12. In 2000 Sabas will give 5th World Champions for The Blazers. Sabas will be NBA Final MVP. Finally the end of Sabas era.
Notes: Sabas and MJ awarded his teams and personal by 5th World Champions. Sabas and MJ the best talent in 1990's era
Sabonis was pretty explosive for a 7'4 guy. He was pretty strong guy too. Reason why his knees went out was because he played with reckless abandon, he still put up some decent numbers with bad knees in the NBA.
To me he is clearly up there with the best centers of all time (Wilt, Russell, Hakeem, Shaq, Kareem). And arguably the best european player ever, only matched by Dirk.
Sadly he got to the NBA at 31+ years old and without knees
He was the hell of a player!
How many players can say they used to play for Soviet National Team? That’s badass!
I think the NBA didn’t want Sabas to come over yet because he would have challenged MJ’s popularity.
Respect from Serbia!!!
Even the older and slower Sabonis (he did battle sore ankles and knees and also tore his Achilles when he was younger) was beautiful to watch. At 7 foot 3 he didn't really need to jump and dunked with ease, had a beautiful jumpshot and hookshot and those passing skills. He was also one of the strongest players ever to play.
this puts a tear to my face
Великий спортсмен,номер 1 !!!
I watch this video every time before I have game, before I have practice before I do anything.
he made his debut at 31 yrs old imagine what would've happen if he came to USA in his 21 and played for ten years with the best in the world.
All i can say that i am proud of Arvydas Sabonis. i mean he is a legend he did so much and ppl knows so less. I am lithuanian myself. and basketball is in my blod. i remember when i met Sabonis. it was amazing. he is really caring. All i can say that u will never find anyone even close to him. Leged from The biggest "L"!!! L!I!E!T!U!V!A!!!!!
He was the most skilled big man of his time and it is a shame we couldn't have got him sooner.
the best big man passer ever!!! no doubt about it!
How about Jokic? You think he is close? I never saw Sabonis play so I don't really know how good of a passer he really was
@@JoPe-d7n you were not born yet how good was sabonis during 90's but jokic is better but sabonis is best
Wellcome to LIthuania,Lithuania small but strongest
YES
Serbia too
🏀
Sabonis was incredible if you ever look at his per 36 numbers even when he was in the league he was 17,10, and 3 asts. Had he been in his prime when he was young and healthy he would have dominated the league along with guys like Ewing, shaq, Robinson, Hakeem
САБОНИС
FOREVER
🏀💚🕊💙🏆
At first I was thinkign how could he be in the hall of fame just by looking at his career numbers in the nba, 14 ppg, 9 rebounds pg.....but now I know....Im in my 20's so although I remember him playign in portland I didnt knwo how great of a player he really was. He really is one of the best ball players of all time.
I Sabonis was my favorite player as a kid growing up in Oregon, it's only a shame he didn't come to the US when he was younger and before his injury issues.
Sabo, You are the Best! Ты Лучший! #11
At 40 years old and his last season, he won Euroleagues MVP award. Young Sabonis was amazing, NBA Sabonis was 40% of him left, because of Soviet Union regime
Sabonis is sick! Much love from a true Blazers fan! We need to get that jersey retired!
Super jugador, el mejor, y todavia mejor persona.
If he did not have the injuries, and came to the NBA early, we would be talking about GOAT. A 7-3 who could play like a point guard, shoot 40% threes, dunk, defend block. Unicorn.
man he was one of the best centres ever.. too bad injuries stopped him
Imagine ichiro in the major league as a 20 year old the record books would've been revamped
I don't know what it is about this guy/video, I just like it. seems like a really nice guy
Young fellas just don't know. This guy was the best player to play the game. He could do almost everything, shoot, pass, dribble, dunk. If he hadn't had all those knee injuries ( he was literally playing with one knee on the NBA), he would probably become one of the best players ever, even though he was 31 when he first played there. But no, you just have to talk about Howard or Shaq... Omg this guy was the best all-around player I 've ever seen...at 7'3. What the hell... Go watch Heat...
Stabonis and Rodman are the only two who could guard Shaq in his prime.
its Sabonis not Stabonis ;)
Neither of them got even close to stopping him if that's what you mean. Sure anyone can stand and guard him, TRY and stop him but he shot 60% on Rodman and triple teams and pood for 30+ every game vs Sabonis and Sheed and more ..
Darude Sandstorm No one can, Duncan and Robinson together could, and even then ....
Darude Sandstorm Don't have a clue about what you just said. Hakeem is in another universe to Duncan, Duncan is one of the greatest so that doesn't matter and is obvious.
Darude Sandstorm tim duncan could not stop shaq..just because shaq had a hard time guarding tim (whos is the best PF of all time) does not mean that tim could stop him...saying someone is hard to guard does not mean they can stop you on the other end...
Proud to be from the country, that has the most beautiful women in the world, handsome, smart and strong men (strongest man in the world is also Lithuanian), one of the best basketball teams in the world. And this country has only 3 million people.
up there with connie hawkins as one of the best players who never played in the NBA during their prime. both suffered some unfortunate injuries as well.
i'm 2011watching that and like it x)
I really hope his son becomes as good as him
His son is way better than the son of other NBA player I think except for steph curry
shining time station. ahh how i miss watching him play
Wow 0.0 im in this video......I was holding the sign Sobonis is my Hero
I'm from Lithuania to and is my favorite player
Jonas valanciunas is the next Lithuanian hall of famer. Kid is an absolute beast for Toronto
There was one year the blazers were so damn close to beating the Lakers, if they would've advanced past them there's no doubt in my mind that team would have gotten a ring. Sabonis, Pippen, Steve Smith, Bonzi Wells, Rasheed Wallace, jermaine o'neal, Brian Grant, Damon Stoudamire... god that team was good.
31 year old rookie! damn he's so good!!!!