Recent performances by Monaco's guard Jordan Loyd, last year's finals MVP but disappointing in recent weeks, could see him leaving the team at the end of the season.
Sasa Obradovic has often praised Jordan Loyd (1.93m, 30 years old) as one of the players he relies on to manage his team with oversized egos. However, this season, the American guard has faced numerous challenges, missing 42 out of 87 games due to a back injury he had surgery on last summer. "Those physical problems are behind me," assures Loyd, whose playoff performance in 2024 (9.2 points, 3 rebounds, 2.1 assists) contrasts sharply with his previous form that led Monaco to its first national title last June (3-0 in the finals against Boulogne-Levallois with Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly), earning him the MVP trophy.
This situation has frustrated both the player and his staff, who believe Monaco might not have lost two playoff games (one against Bourg-en-Bresse in the semifinals and Game 2 of the finals against Paris) if Loyd had been fully fit. "I have no hesitation in saying this has been the most challenging season of my career," Loyd said two weeks ago after a lackluster Game 3 semifinal against Bourg-en-Bresse (1 point, 0 for 8 shooting). "I'm trying to find my rhythm. I'm not consistent, and with everything that's happened this season, my body is now wondering what's going on with all this playing time."
Sunday night, the former player of Zenit Saint Petersburg and Red Star Belgrade - where he was coached by Obradovic - seemed to bounce back, scoring 12 points and making crucial plays in an intense start after being included in the starting lineup. "I finally got to be myself, enjoy the game without overthinking," he said. "I'm more of an instinct player, and it felt good to contribute, at last! (He laughs.) Recently, I've been overthinking."
"Losses change how things are perceived."
Loyd is experiencing legitimate doubt, given that he joined Monaco in 2022 and is playing these playoffs under additional pressure: the Roca Team's management will decide whether to extend his contract for another year based on his performance at the end of the season. "The club has that option," confirms general manager Oleksiy Yefimov. "The contract ends in the first week of July, so we have some time to decide. First, we need to secure the title, and then we'll think about it calmly."
"I fully understand the business side of this sport," Loyd responds. "Before coming to Monaco, I changed teams every year. I've made it clear that I'd like to stay here, but I'm focused on winning the title. Losses change how things are perceived." As for the added pressure, Loyd prefers to downplay it: "I don't feel like I have to prove anything. I just want to play well." With Monaco facing Paris tonight at 21:05, Loyd has one more opportunity to prove his worth.