'Pass to their face two times, on the third, they’ll catch it' - Arvydas Sabonis on the best passing advice for his son Domantas

Players with high assist averages used to be strictly point guards, but in today's NBA, even the forwards and centers have become great distributors. Big men are nudged to serve as hubs, dishing it out from the post, executing dribble hand-offs, and making the life of their perimeter players easier.

Domantas Sabonis is one of the best examples in today's NBA, as his versatility on the offensive end of the floor is the biggest part of the Sacramento Kings' offense. However, that didn't happen by accident, as Domas' father, Arvydas Sabonis, was one of the first five men to display immense passing skills.

Sabas was ahead of his time, and he passed his knowledge on to his youngest son. In a joint interview with ESPN, the two had an amusing interaction regarding some good old basketball talk and advice regarding passing.

"His teammates expected it every time. If I threw one of those right now, it would hit the back of my teammate's head," Domantas explained.

"You need to pass to their face two times," Arvydas said with a big smile. "On the third time, they'll catch it."

Like dad

In the 2024-25 campaign, Domas is averaging 20.8 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, showcasing once again that he is among the best big men in the NBA. The younger Sabonis' versatility out of the center position distinguishes him from other big men, and he tries to emulate his dad.

"He was a 7-footer that could do everything like a point guard," Domantas said. "Everyone would say he could shoot, pass, play in the post, everything, hook shots, so if I can get anything from his game, that would be awesome."

The Kings have had an up-and-down season so far, sitting 12th in the Western Conference with a 13-13 record. While that is far from a bad slate, the competitive WC is proving to be challenging for Sabonis and Sacramento, as they will need to step up to replicate success from previous years.

Proud father

Even though Arvydas is an absolute basketball legend, he made his mark in European and FIBA competitions. While Sabas' NBA stint with the Portland Trail Blazers had its moments, it was a far cry from his prime, and there's no question that Domas has overtaken him, at least in that department.

"My story, it ended short. Now comes a Sabonis with a long story," Arvydas proudly said.

The 7'3" Lithuanian legend spent only seven seasons in the NBA, coming in at the age of 31 with injuries destroying his body. Nevertheless, Arvydas managed to average 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game and prove to the league's best that he got the game.

However, he still doesn't hold a candle to Domantas' NBA resume of three All-Star games, two All-NBA selections, and two rebounding titles, which includes 15.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per night for his career. At only 28 years old, Domas still has plenty of time to add to that legacy, and Arvydas couldn't be any prouder.