FC Barcelona is actively searching for a replacement after losing star point guard Nicolas Laprovittola to a severe knee injury. The Argentine suffered a torn ACL during the recent match against Baskonia, leaving him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Laprovittola, one of Barcelona’s key players, had been averaging 10 points and 5.7 assists per game this season. His absence leaves the Catalan team with just two primary guards, Tomas Satoransky and Juan Nunez, with limited depth on the perimeter.
According to a report from Julián Felipo of Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is exploring several options to fill the void left by Laprovittola. The team is considering three candidates, all of whom have made a name for themselves in European basketball.
The names on the club’s radar include Trae Bell-Haynes of Casademont Zaragoza and two EuroLeague players, TJ Shorts of Paris Basketball and Sylvain Francisco of Zalgiris. Both Francisco and Shorts are notable for their performances in the EuroLeague this season, and their availability could provide a suitable solution to Barcelona’s roster gap.
One challenge for Barcelona is that Laprovittola did not occupy a non-EU player spot, positions currently held by Jabari Parker and Justin Anderson. This complicates the search, as any new signing must either have EU player status or not count toward the non-EU limit.
Another hurdle is the financial cost of a potential signing. Laprovittola’s long-term absence may force Barcelona to allocate additional funds to secure a replacement, which could involve paying a transfer fee. The club had previously reduced its budget to €31.5 million for this season, following the departures of Nikola Mirotic and Cory Higgins.
Bell-Haynes, known for his versatility and scoring ability, has been a standout in the ACB. His skill set could complement Barcelona’s backcourt, offering a dynamic option to cover both guard positions. However, Casademont Zaragoza is unlikely to part with him without a significant transfer fee, as the club competes for a strong finish in the league.
Shorts has also emerged as a strong candidate. The Paris Basketball star has impressed with his quickness and playmaking skills, making him a valuable asset for any team. However, his role with Paris complicates any potential move, as the French club is keen on maintaining its competitive edge in the EuroLeague.
Francisco, currently with Zalgiris, presents another option. Francisco’s EuroLeague experience and adaptability to high-pressure situations make him a fitting candidate to replace Laprovittola. Yet, much like the other players on the list, acquiring Francisco could come with a financial strain that Barcelona would need to address.
