Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis (born May 3, 1996) is a Lithuanian professional basketball player who plays for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected with the 11th overall pick in 2016 by the Orlando Magic before being traded to Indianapolis on draft night.

Early life and career

Born in Kaunas, Lithuania to Arvydas and Ingrida Sabonis, Domantas began playing basketball at a young age. His father Arvydas won two Olympic medals while representing USSR as an international superstar center during his time in the Euroleague from 1982-1999. Growing up with his older brother Tautvyds Sabonis also influenced him greatly; both brothers played together professionally between 2012-2015 for Unicaja Malaga of Liga ACB where they had great success winning multiple national championships. During this period he earned U20 All-Star honors twice consecutively leading up to NBA Draft consideration after four years of European play experience overseas.

Professional career: Indiana Pacers (2016–present)

On June 23rd 2016, Domantas was drafted by Orlando Magic but later traded on draft night along with Victor Oladipo and Ersan Ilysova to Indiana Pacers for Serge Ibaka which turned out to be one of most lopsided trades ever made in favor of Pacer’s organization . After only 18 months into rookie season he became part starting lineup due to Myles Turner’s injury midseason 2017/2018 campaign averaging 11 points 6 rebounds 2 assists per game throughout 36 games started under head coach Nate McMillan earning Eastern Conference Rookie Of The Month Awards back-to-back January & February 2018 respectively . Following impressive start rookie year ,Sabons signed 4 year extension contract worth $75 million dollars keeping him tied until 2021/2022 season as key contributor off bench when not starting due their crowded front court rotation featuring Thaddeus Young alongside budding star Big man duo Turner /Sabons himself 2019–2020 brought new wave opportunities being named starter once again replacing veteran point forward Bojan Bogdanovic whom left via free agency prior that summer boosting average numbers across board 14 points 9 rebounds 5 assists 1 block 0 turnovers making All Star team first time career becoming face franchise future continuing legacy father left behind almost 30 years ago