Rise from the ashes: Reasons behind Nick Calathes renaissance in Fenerbahce / News - Basketnews.com

In his latest write-up, BasketNews expert Augustas Suliauskas breaks down how new environment in Fenerbahce allows Nick Calathes to thrive once again.

Credit: Vincenzo Del Negro/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Vincenzo Del Negro/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

EuroLeague champion with Tel Aviv Maccabi Tyrese Rice in 2015 tweeted this: "Crazy how the game changes for people when you give the confidence to just play."

To this day, it applies to many players changing teams every season. But this year, the phrase fits the best when talking about Nick Calathes' performance for EuroLeague leaders Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

In 26 minutes over 10 games, the Greek point guard is racking up impressive averages of 9.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and shooting over 50% from both 2-point and 3-point categories.

Comparing plain numbers from last season in Barcelona, only scoring and 3P% have seen an improvement in numbers (+2.4 points per game and a staggering +18% from 3P). But it is the eye test that lets you see all the difference.

Fenerbahce are winning, and Calathes' name is mentioned among the main reasons why. In Barca under coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, it was usually the other way around - his lack of shot-making was often the main problem of their offensive struggles.

Why are Fenerbahce a better fit for Calathes? How has Dimitris Itoudis revived Nick's confidence? Why is the Greek playmaker still among the best – if not the best – playmakers in Europe? Let's look at the tape and find out why.

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