Transformation. Latvia’s hope, Westbrook’s back-up and Mr. Defense

The VTB United League and Sport-Express present another installment of Transformation, our new feature focused on the players and coaches that will impact the league in the upcoming season. This edition looks at Latvia’s NBA prospect Janis Timma, who joined Zenit; Russell Westbrook’s former backup in Oklahoma City, Eric Maynor, who’s now with Nizhny Novgorod; and one of Europe’s top defenders, Brian Randle, who replaces Derrick Brown in Krasnodar.

Janis Timma, Zenit

Position: Small forward
Country: Latvia
Age: 23
Former Clubs: Liepajas Lauvas, Latvia (2011-12), Ventspils, Latvia (2012-14), VEF, Latvia (2014-15)
2014-15 Stats: 12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals in 28.4 minutes per game in the VTB United League

VEF played up-tempo, aggressive basketball last season, which had a significant role in Timma’s development. The Latvian prospect enjoyed the full trust of his coach and wasn’t afraid to be a leader on the court. He won the league’s Young Player of the Year award, before signing with Zenit in June.

Vasily Karasev also preaches up-tempo basketball in St. Petersburg, which should help Timma adapt. He’s got excellent size and athleticism. Just like at VEF, Timma will be asked to do a lot of the dirty work, including defensive rebounding, fast breaks, and three-point shooting. His versatility will help Vasily Karasev experiment with an in-vogue “small” lineup, given Timma can play the shooting guard, small forward and power forward positions.

Timma hopes to play in the NBA and he’s effectively in a contract season right now. Just 23 years old, he needs to prove that he’s ready for the spotlight in 2015-16. This union between ambitious club and rapidly improving player should work out well for both parties.

Eric Maynor, Nizhny Novgorod

Position: Point guard
Country: USA
Age: 28
Former Clubs: Utah, NBA (2009), Oklahoma City, NBA (2009-2013), Portland, NBA (2013), Washington, NBA (2013-14), Philadelphia, NBA (2014), Varese, Italy (2015)
2014-15 Stats: 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists in 33.3 minutes per game in Italy

Maynor explained that he had a lot of good things about Nizhny from ex-Black-White star Trey Thompkins. Now it’s time for Maynor to show that his ACL injury is in the past and that he can give his career a second breath. It should be a good fit. Nizhny is known for resurrecting careers that have previously failed to live up to expectations.

Before tearing his ACL in January 2012, Maynor was an important part of Oklahoma City’s rotation. He looked to be on his way to winning a starting job in the NBA and signing a lucrative contract. His injury was a huge setback. After a long rehab, Maynor bounced around Portland, Washington and Philadelphia, where he struggled to make an impact.

The 28-year-old point guard’s second comeback attempt started last season, when he decided to move to Europe. He was terrific for Varese, showing off his point guard skills and ability to finish at the rim and from the perimeter. Nizhny especially needs outside shooting, after losing sniper Taylor Rochestie. Of course, Maynor is best at distributing the ball. The North Carolina native is comfortable in the halfcourt and on fast breaks, where he makes it easy for teammates to score.

Nizhny Novgorod’s front office expects Maynor to play a key role on the revamped squad. He’s definitely one of the league’s most exciting additions this offseason.

Brian Randle, Lokomotiv-Kuban

Position: Power forward
Country: USA
Age: 30
Former Clubs: Hapoel Galil Elion, Israel (2008-2010), Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel (2010-2012), Alba, Germany (2012-13), Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Israel (2013), Maccabi Haifa, Israel (2013-14), Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Israel (2014-15)
2014-15 Stats: 12.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.2 blocks in 28.4 minutes per game in the Euroleague

Forward Derrick Brown was the leader at Lokomotiv for several years, but last season showed that the American was ready to move on. It seems crazy, but Krasnodar may not have much trouble replacing one of the league’s most effective players.

Randle, who joined Lokomotiv last season, is unstoppable on fast breaks, which he loves to finish by dunking, much like Brown. Bruising drives to the basket are Randle’s calling card, but that’s not all he can do. He can knock down the open ‘3’, making him even more dangerous and giving Lokomotiv plenty of reason for optimism next season.

That’s not all. Randle brings aggressive defense to complement his offense. The American has been named the Israeli league’s top defender three times (2009, 2014, 2015) and he backed up that reputation last year in his first full season in the Euroleague. Randle was 4th in blocked shots and 5th in steals during the Euroleague Top 16. New Lokomotiv head coach Georgios Bartzokas thinks the experienced forward will be an ideal addition to his frontcourt. Players with his toughness and wide range of ability are hard to come by. This is one of the summer’s most dependable free agent signings.