By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes has officially parted ways with Latvian forward-center Rolands Smits, concluding his competitive tenure following the 2025–26 season.
During his two-year campaign in Istanbul, the 30-year-old big provided consistent frontcourt depth, making 35 appearances with 12 starts in the most recent installment of Europe’s premier club competition and contributing steady averages of 6.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. He ultimately elevated his career total to an impressive 249 appearances.
This departure marks yet another transition in a decorated European career that initially gained major traction when he captured the Rising Star award for the 2016–17 7DAYS EuroCup season. His early development in Spain with Fuenlabrada paved the way for a major transfer to FC Barcelona. Over a successful stint in Catalonia, the versatile big helped secure the 2020–21 ACB championship alongside three celebrated Copa del Rey trophies. He later transitioned to Lithuania, adding the 2022–23 Betsafe LKL and consecutive King Mindaugas Cups to his growing resume with Zalgiris before moving to Turkiye and winning the Turkish Basketball Presidential Cup 2024.
İki sezondur formamızı giyen ve kulübümüzle Cumhurbaşkanlığı Kupası da kazanan Rolands Šmits’e, sağladığı katkılar için teşekkür ederiz.
Kendisine, bundan sonraki kariyeri için başarılar dileriz.
Thank you Rolands! pic.twitter.com/shyKDlecpQ
— Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) June 15, 2026
Beyond his extensive list of domestic club achievements, Smits remains a foundational cornerstone for his home country’s national team. Having represented Latvia through every single youth pipeline division, he seamlessly transitioned into a leader for the senior squad. He played a vital, physical role in securing Latvia’s historic fifth-place finish during their debut appearance at the FIBA World Cup 2023. His reliable floor-spacing capability and tough interior defense have consistently anchored the national team across EuroBasket 2017 and 2025 as well.
Make