Krejčí Becomes a Defense’s Focus
Unlike Porzingis and Risacher, Krejčí was the only current NBA player on the Czech Republic national team. As a result, defenses played him physically and game-planned to get the ball out of his hands. His team went winless at the tournament, but Krejčí told reporters he took valuable lessons from the experience.
“It wasn’t pretty, but it was a good experience. It was a lot different than playing here, being the main focus of the other team … They were physical,” explained Krejčí.
The 25-year-old is set to play an important reserve role this upcoming season. Over the last two seasons, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder played him everywhere but center. He likely plays backup small forward minutes behind Risacher to begin the 2025-26 campaign. However, Krejčí’s playmaking and improved 3-point shot will take pressure off the offensive initiator behind franchise point guard Trae Young.
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