Weakened contenders or a dark horse? Valencia opened their EuroLeague campaign with a 96–94 road win over Besiktas. Now, the season’s first double-round week gives them a chance to answer more questions against Baskonia and ASVEL.
The summer of 2026 changed a lot at Valencia. Almost everything, in fact.
The Spanish champions, who reached the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four, waved goodbye to Coach of the Year Pedro Martinez, one of Spanish basketball’s brightest talents in Jaime Pradilla, and their starting backcourt of Jean Montero and Brancou Badio. In effect, Real Madrid, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos took away their most valuable pieces. Within a few weeks, the team that had surprised Europe had lost much of what made it special.
There was good reason, then, for the talk of a weaker Valencia over the past few months. Losing your coach and so many leading players inevitably carries consequences on the court. Yet Valencia made some intriguing moves, and their EuroLeague opener offered an early glimpse of their potential. Winning 96–94 in Istanbul has already given those backing them as a possible dark horse something to build their case around.
The biggest commitment, in terms of responsibility, has been to TJ Shorts. Valencia handed him the keys, hoping to rediscover the version of the American point guard who dazzled at Paris and emerged as a genuine MVP candidate. He began repaying that faith on opening night: 26 points in 23 minutes and 33 seconds, capped by the decisive basket.
His 20 field-goal attempts also tell the story of his offensive workload. The Spanish champions’ new leader stepped up, made the decisions and took on the toughest assignment at the finish. Developing the playmaking around him, and finding the balance between his own scoring and involving his teammates, remain priorities moving forward.
Alongside him, Kameron Taylor showed why keeping him was so important. Last season’s glue guy, who attracted interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs, delivered 12 points on just six shots, seven rebounds and two assists. For a roster still developing its chemistry, his ability to contribute across the board without needing a high volume of shots is a significant asset for coach Xavi Albert. His defensive presence offers reassurance, too.
The summer’s shrewd move also brought an immediate return. Valencia secured Armoni Brooks on loan when ASVEL’s financial problems surfaced, and the American scorer contributed 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. Not bad. He gave Valencia a complementary backcourt option who could influence both the scoring and the playmaking on a night when Shorts led the way.
Nikola Mirotic was even more efficient, keeping a cool head in the closing minutes. His arrival brought veteran leadership, and his debut combined that experience with immediate production: 13 points in 13 minutes and 45 seconds, six-for-six free-throw shooting and five fouls drawn. His contribution was particularly valuable down the stretch, when Valencia needed reliable scoring. Getting that return in limited minutes matters, especially as the schedule fills up and recovery time becomes scarce.
That brings us to another telling feature of the opener. Albert used all 12 players, nobody reached 24 minutes, and six finished in double figures. The distribution of minutes and the range of scoring options gave substance to his intention to retain elements of Martinez’s highly successful formula.
The 18 assists against 13 turnovers, 16 offensive rebounds and 19-for-21 shooting from the line add useful detail. Valencia extended possessions and made their free throws count in a game decided by a single basket. They also kept their composure when Dusan Alimpijevic’s hosts mounted their fourth-quarter comeback.
Next come two “must-win” games: Baskonia at home on September 29 and ASVEL away on October 2. Against two opponents who look weaker on paper, Valencia have an excellent opportunity to reach 3–0. That prospect, of course, is still some way from becoming reality.
The question is whether the Spanish side can carry their opening-night efficiency into consecutive games while managing fatigue and making the necessary adjustments. Can they match the consistency of last season’s team, which played games at close to 80 possessions and seemed never to run out of energy?
One game is clearly not enough for firm conclusions. It does, however, give us reason to reopen the discussion. Shorts is shouldering the responsibility, Taylor provides consistency at both ends, and the other additions offer grounds for optimism. The coming week could strengthen the sense that Valencia have the tools to cause problems again this season. Those who underestimated them last year already know how premature that judgment can prove.
