EuroLeague Market: Roland Smits ends his time at Efes
The Latvian power forward has terminated his contract with the Greek team after two seasons in Istanbul
The Anadolu Efes has officially confirmed the departure of Rolands Smits, who bids farewell to the Turkish club after completing the 2025-26 season. The 30-year-old Latvian player leaves Istanbul after two years of consistent contributions in the premier European club competition, where he played 35 games in the last season, 12 of them as a starter. His numbers in the EuroLeague reflected a solid presence in the interior game: 6.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, figures that highlight his role as a defensive pillar and offensive depth.
With this departure, Smits reaches the historic milestone of 249 games played throughout his professional career, a testament to his consistency and longevity in the top European leagues. The Turkish club bid him an emotional farewell on social media, thanking him for his contributions and wishing him success in his future endeavors, also acknowledging his role in winning the Turkish Basketball Presidential Cup 2024.
Smits' career in European basketball began with a notable takeoff. In the 2016-17 season, he was recognized as the Emerging Star of the 7DAYS EuroCup, an award that foreshadowed his international projection. His significant first step in Spain came with Fuenlabrada, an experience that paved the way for a major transfer: FC Barcelona.
In Catalonia, Smits experienced one of the most successful stages of his career. The Latvian center was a key piece in winning the ACB title 2020-21, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level. In addition to the league, he contributed to winning three King's Cups during his time at the Barcelona club, establishing himself as a versatile player capable of contributing both defensively and in team play.
After his time in Barcelona, Smits moved to Lithuania to play for Zalgiris, where he continued to expand his trophy cabinet. With the Lithuanian team, he won the Betsafe LKL 2022-23 and claimed two consecutive King Mindaugas Cups, proving that his quality remained in different competitive contexts. These achievements allowed him to arrive in Turkey with the prestige of a winning player, someone with experience in multiple leagues and a proven ability to adapt to different playing styles.
His arrival at Anadolu Efes represented a new challenge in one of Europe's most competitive leagues. During his two years with the Istanbul team, Smits established himself as a trusted element in the interior rotation, providing defensive stability and a presence in the paint, characteristics that have defined him throughout his professional career.
Key player for the Latvian national team
Beyond his club successes, Smits has been a fundamental piece for the Latvian national team. After representing his country in all youth categories, he became an undisputed leader of the national team. His contribution has been particularly significant in international competitions at the highest level.
The most notable highlight in his international career came at the FIBA World Cup 2023, where Latvia achieved a historic fifth place in their tournament debut. Smits played a vital and physically demanding role in this campaign, being one of the defensive pillars of the team. His ability to stretch the floor and his solid interior defense have been crucial elements in the performance of the national team, both in EuroBasket 2017 and EuroBasket 2025, demonstrating his consistency as a reference for Latvia.
Smits' departure from Anadolu Efes marks the end of a chapter in his professional trajectory, but not the end of his contribution to elite basketball. At 30 years old, the Latvian player remains relevant as a competitor and continues to be a significant option in the European market. His trophy cabinet includes titles in three different leagues, multiple national cups, and a constant presence in the EuroLeague, positioning him as one of the most experienced and versatile centers of his generation.
The farewell from the Turkish club does not close the door to new opportunities. Smits continues to be essential to the plans of the Latvian national team for future international competitions, where his experience and leadership will continue to be valued. His career represents a model of consistency and adaptability, qualities that have allowed him to compete for over a decade at the highest level of European basketball.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mercado Euroliga: Roland Smits cierra su etapa en el Efes
