Sarunas Jasikevicius comments on Nikola Mirotic leaving Barcelona / News - Basketnews.com

Jasikevicius praised Mirotic for his effort during the ACB playoffs. The Lithuanian confirmed the news about the player's departure and said that it's been known for some time inside the organization.

Credit: EuroLeague Basketball via GettyImages Credit EuroLeague Basketball via GettyImages

After four years in the organization, Nikola Mirotic is set to leave FC Barcelona. With the news coming out about the departure of the superstar forward, the team's head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius offered his comment about the situation.

Points this season

48%80,5Points made:80,5Accuracy:48,1%Place in standings:10Record max:99Record min:66Best scorer:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Talking with the media ahead of the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB) finals against Real Madrid, the Lithuanian specialist praised Mirotic for his effort during the playoffs.

"First of all, this thing comes out today, but we've been talking about this from the inside for a long time," he told. "If the news comes out today, you don't have to take that the news actually happened today, right? I think his response to what has happened has been incredible in the last few games."

"He's been very involved in what he has to do, we've seen his total dedication in matches against Malaga and Valencia. I think he knows how to differentiate the two things from one another," the coach said. "We are here to help him the best we can and make everything as best as possible in the end."

Mirotic himself was initially scheduled to appear alongside Saras in the press conference but his teammate Alex Abrines took the responsibility instead.

With financial troubles slowly hitting the organization, the club'sbudget might be cut by up to 25%.

Throughout the 13 years, Barca have spent more than €300 million on player salaries since they last won the EuroLeague title in 2010,Julian Felipo from Mundo Deportivo notes. If this season's budget is accounted for, the number adds up to €337.6 million.

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