Real Madrid’s basketball team suffered a disappointing Copa del Rey exit in Gran Canaria, falling to Unicaja Málaga 93-79 in the final. The loss highlighted a struggle for several key signings to integrate seamlessly into the team’s dynamic.
Xavier Rathan-Mayes: A Missed Opportunity
Xavier Rathan-Mayes, a summer acquisition, has been largely invisible in the tournament. Despite flashes of potential throughout the season, his impact has been minimal. His average of 5.2 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in ACB, with an average of just over 13 minutes per game, paints a picture of a player struggling to find his footing.
the combo guard, expected to provide offensive firepower, hasn’t reached the scoring heights of previous seasons. In a team renowned for its star power and ball movement, Rathan-Mayes hasn’t been able to consistently make a decisive impact.
His future at Real Madrid is uncertain, with rumors of a potential departure swirling. While coach Chus Mateo has publicly defended his player,the on-court performance speaks for itself.
A Mixed Bag of New Arrivals
Real Madrid’s attempts to replace key players like Sergio Rodríguez, Poirier, and Yabusele have been met with mixed results. None of the new signings have consistently performed at the level of the starting players.
The Copa del Rey exposed weaknesses in the squad’s depth. Coach Mateo acknowledged these shortcomings following the loss to Unicaja.
Garuba and Smith Jr.: A Case of missed Opportunities
Other signings, like Usman Garuba and Dennis Smith Jr., have also struggled to make a notable impact. Garuba, the Spanish international, played a mere nine minutes across the three games.
Smith Jr., like Rathan-Mayes, was a non-factor in the tournament, suggesting that his physical readiness hasn’t yet reached the level required to contribute effectively.
Andrés Feliz: A Glimpse of Potential
Andrés Feliz, however, has shown some promise, playing well in the quarterfinals and semifinals. However, he hasn’t yet reached the level expected of a key player.
Bruno Fernando and Ibaka, while seeing some court time, haven’t consistently delivered the performance needed to elevate the team.
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