EP#84 | Tomas Balčėtis (Žalgiris Kaunas): NBA Champion on Draft, Trades, AI Analytics & Culture

In this episode of The Benas Podcast, I sit down with Tomas Balčėtis — former Denver Nuggets front office member, 2023 NBA Champion, Harvard University graduate, and CEO of Confluence Valley (Tesonet Group).

Tomas spent 20 years in the United States, worked inside the NBA, and now connects Žalgiris Kaunas and London Lions, leading AI, analytics, and technology integration in professional basketball.

This conversation goes deep into NBA decision-making, Draft and trade processes, basketball analytics, and cultural adaptation in elite sports organizations.

🎙 Topics covered in this episode:

- Inside NBA communication and front office decision-making

- NBA Draft evaluation and trade discussions

- Cultural adaptation in the U.S. and professional sports

- Building trust with players and coaches

- AI tools and analytics at Žalgiris Kaunas

- The connection between basketball, data, and mathematics

This is one of the most in-depth and insightful NBA-focused conversations on The Benas Podcast.

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:40 U.S. culture & Boston

06:15 Heart issues

10:20 NBA communication

17:20 Trade discussions

21:15 Draft, Roster fit vs top talent

26:15 Learning from Tim Connelly

28:45 Connecting with players & coaches

32:20 Gold medal syndrome

39:00 ProBallers.com

42:30 Basketball, math, and data

44:30 "CEO of Confluence Valley" 

46:40 Old Experience & new lessons

50:00 Žalgiris AI statistical tool

55:40 10 year plan

56:55 ATOs

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🌐 https://www.bmatke.com