Smits is finalizing a deal with the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association, sources tell BasketNews<\/a>\u00a0and Andrejs Silins.<\/p>\n Ferhat Yesiltas<\/a> was first to report about both sides nearing a deal.<\/p>\n The move comes after the 31-year-old Latvian attracted interest from multiple European teams this summer.<\/p>\n Earlier in August, fellow Latvian Arturs Zagars<\/a> signed with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls after spending the previous two seasons with Fenerbahce Istanbul<\/a>.<\/p>\n Credit Anadolu Efes Sk<\/p>\n Smits leaves EuroLeague after eight seasons <\/p>\n Smits spent the previous two seasons with Anadolu Efes Istanbul<\/a> and appeared in 35 EuroLeague games in 2025-26, averaging 6.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 19 minutes per game. He shot 62.1% from two-point range and 32.9% from three. <\/p>\n The Latvian has established himself as one of the EuroLeague’s most reliable and durable big men. Across his EuroLeague career, which also included spells with FC Barcelona<\/a> and Zalgiris Kaunas<\/a>, Smits has converted approximately 62% of his two-pointers and 36% of his threes.<\/p>\n Durability has also been one of his biggest strengths. Smits has missed only a handful of games since the 2019-20 season and ranks sixth in EuroLeague appearances over that period.<\/p>\n His move to Ningbo will end an eight-season EuroLeague run.<\/p>\n Senior Content Creator & Strategist<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-452988-any780x600.jpg\")
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