Ah, the ol’ NBA free agency dance, where players are trying not to step on each other’s toes. It’s like a game of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, it’s more about… not being left in the dust. You see, while the league is gearing up for another season, it seems like some players just walked straight out of the gym, looked at their contracts, and thought, "Nope, not today!" So, where do these talented individuals find themselves? Europe, baby!
Welcome to the New Free Agency 101: Euroleague Edition! Grab a glass of your finest vintage, and let’s dive into the dramatic world of players packing their bags for Euroball!
The Euro Bound Crew:
We’ve got a lineup of players who could brighten up Euroleague courts faster than a tourist gets lost in a Parisian subway! You’ve got names like Onulrap Bitim, sounding like a character straight out of "Lord of the Rings." Let’s just hope he can shoot better than he can spell!
Moving along to James Bouknight. Ah, 24 and still trying to find his way in the NBA. I mean, at least he’s not lost in IKEA like so many of us! One minute he’s showing explosive potential, and the next he’s scoring less than I did in my high school free throw competition.
And then we’ve got Oshae Brissett. In case you’re wondering, he’s not just a basketball player; he’s a power forward/small forward, a position that’s as confusing as my mom trying to understand TikTok. This guy’s versatility is impressive. Nothing like being described as “very complete.” It’s the athletic version of going on a date and hearing, “I really like pizza!” Really, everyone does!
Next up, Markelle Fultz. Remember him? The guy who was the number 1 pick in the 2017 draft? He’s had injuries that made a seasoned soap opera star jealous. Just when you think it’s lights out for Fultz, he rolls back with the basketball equivalent of, "Hold my drink, I’ve got some moves left!"
Devonte’ Graham keeps on trucking, looking like your friend who insists they can still beat you at basketball despite the fact they’ve bought three pairs of those fancy trainers but can barely hit a layup. And then… drumroll… we have Killian Hayes, the Frenchman who came with so much promise yet plays like he’s constantly in need of a GPS.
Wait – how many "bases" do we need? Next, they’ll come out with a new position: base dancer! Speaking of which, the Dennis Smith Jr. narrative is rich with potential, like that last slice of pizza that keeps getting passed around at the party.
Are you still with me? Good! Because we’re only halfway through the alphabet here!
Put Your Hands Together for the Legends:
Say hello to Frank Kaminsky, the 31-year-old who’s realized that, much like my attempts at dating, sometimes it’s better to explore other options. And a special shout-out to Landry Shamet—he’s got a shooting game that’d make your shooting stars jealous but does he have the physicality to survive in Europe? Who knows!
TJ Warren—what a name! He’s like the last slice of bread: always there but sometimes a little dry! He once shone brightly during the NBA bubble (no, not the kind you find in your bath) and now faces injury history that’s making all of us a bit nervous.
And let’s not forget Lonnie Walker! He’s like that one friend who sips their drink super slowly while you’re ready to party. Who knew sharing similarities with other guards could give you street cred in Europe?
In conclusion, if you’re keeping track of all those NBA players who’ve found themselves on the proverbial bench, grab your popcorn! The Euroleague is about to get more interesting than a British reality show.
The NBA is like that bustling night club—a half-empty dance floor and a few too many drinks—while Europe is the chill pub down the road that’s just as fun, with an unmatched vibe.
So let me leave you with this: While the NBA season might heat up, Europe waits with open arms, player availability, and a grand ol’ chance for ex-NBA stars to showcase their talent while sipping a nice espresso. Take that, Gatorade commercials! Onward to the Eurobasket sensation! 🌍🏀
The 2024-25 season of the NBA has already started with the final templates of the 30 franchises already prepared. The latest discards, made before opening night, added to the free agents who were still on the market, have left highly talented players without a team.
Although several of them will be able to find gap in the leaguea new market has opened: Europe. With the season further advanced, teams that need to cover their needs look to the NBA’s discards. We review, in alphabetical order, the main names that could cross the pond and even play in the Euroleague.
14 NBA free agents who could play in Europe this season:
Onulrap Bitim
Age: 25
Position: Eaves
Statistics 2023-24: 3.5 points (27.3% on triples), 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists in 23 games with the Bulls
NBA career: A season with the Chicago Bulls
He could be a luxury reinforcement for any European team, especially for the two Turks in the Euroleague. His versatility, physicality and scoring ability make him a player with enormous potential.
James Bouknight
Age: 24
Position: listen
Statistics 2023-24: 3.6 points (43.4% on three-pointers), 0.6 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 14 games with the Hornets
NBA career: 79 games in 3 seasons with the Charlotte Hornets
The explosive American shooting guard, number 11 in the 2021 Draft, could provide extra talent and energy. His ability to penetrate the paint, finish acrobatic plays and his outside shot, along with his youth, make him an interesting player.
Oshae Brissett
Age: 26
Position: Power forward / Small forward
Statistics 2023-24: 3.7 points (27.3% in triples), 2.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 55 games for the Celtics
NBA career: 227 games in 5 seasons between the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors
Oshae Brissett’s versatility, his ability to play multiple positions and his energy on the court make him a very complete player. In addition, his ability to rebound and his three-point shot would allow him to adapt to different game systems and contribute on both sides of the court.
Markelle Fultz
Age: 26
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 7.8 points (22.2% in triples), 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 43 games for the Magic
NBA career: 234 games in 7 seasons between Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers
Despite the challenges he has faced in his career in the form of injury, Fultz continues to show flashes of his ability and potential. His ability to penetrate the paint, his vision of the game and his youth make this number 1 in the Draft an interesting player.
Devonte’ Graham
Age: 29
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 5.0 points (30.1% on triples), 1.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Spurs
NBA career: 336 games in 7 seasons between the San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets
Devonte Graham can stand out in Europe for his three-point shooting ability, his speed and his ability to create his own shots. In addition, he is one of the players on the list with the most experience in the NBA.
Killian Hayes
Age: 23
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 6.9 points (29.7% in triples), 2.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 42 games for the Pistons
NBA career: 210 games in 4 seasons with the Detroit Pistons
Killian Hayes, the French point guard, came to the NBA as one of the great European talents, but he has never shown his potential. If he decided to return to Europe, his vision, passing ability and ability to penetrate the paint could make him the playmaker expected of him.
Frank Kaminsky
Age: 31
Position: Pivot
Statistics 2023-24: 8.9 points (40.6% on three-pointers), 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 30 Euroleague games with Partizan
NBA career: 413 games in 9 seasons between Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets
After trying his luck last season in the Euroleague, Frank Kaminsky sought to return to the NBA without success. The second stage in the Suns could not happen and the option of playing one more year in Europe seems a possible option in the career of the American interior.
Kevin Knox
Age: 25
Position: Power forward / Small forward
Statistics 2023-24: 7.2 points (33.0% on three-pointers), 2.4 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 31 games with the Pistons
NBA career: 306 games in 8 seasons between the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers
His height, wingspan and youth make Kevin Knox an interesting player looking for a stable environment to develop his talent. His best season in the NBA was his rookie year and, with great potential, Europe could be a good destination.
Nassir Little
Age: 24
Position: Eaves
Statistics 2023-24: 3.4 points (30.0% on three-pointers), 1.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 45 games with the Suns
NBA career: 237 games in 5 seasons between Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns
If a Euroleague team is looking for a profile with a greater defensive presence, Nassir Little could be a great option. His explosiveness and athleticism, combined with his ability to defend multiple positions, makes him a very valuable two-way player.
Elfrid Payton
Age: 30
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.2 assists in 26 G League games with Mad Ants
NBA career: 500 games in 9 seasons between Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks
Elfrid Payton has not played in the NBA since 2022 and this preseason he had looked for a place in the New Orleans Pelicans, but he has not made the final cut. He has not played basketball in Europe, but he has played outside the United States, so his adaptation to an organizing base role could be easier.
Landry Shamet
Age: 27
Position: listen
Statistics 2023-24: 7.1 points (33.8% on three-pointers), 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 46 games with the Wizards
NBA career: 348 games in six seasons between Sixers, Clippers, Nets, Suns and Wizards
Landry Shamet could be an interesting option for a European team looking for a pure shooter. However, his game is mainly limited to his outside shot and, along with his physicality, could raise some doubts in Euroleague teams.
Dennis Smith Jr.
Age: 26
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 6.6 points (29.4% on three-pointers), 2.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 56 games with the Nets
NBA career: 326 games in seven seasons between Mavericks, Knicks, Pistons, Blazers, Hornets and Nets
Dennis Smith Jr. could be a risky signing, but with a high reward. His explosiveness, penetration capacity and ability to finish near the rim make him a very attractive player. His inconsistency in outside shooting and his decision-making, questionable at times, could raise doubts. If he can improve in these aspects, he could become a great player in Europe.
Lonnie Walker
Age: 25
Position: Escort/Base
Statistics 2023-24: 9.7 points (38.4% on three-pointers), 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 58 games with the Nets
NBA career: 322 games in six seasons between Spurs, Lakers and Nets
Lonnie Walker IV shares many similarities with other athletic guards who have succeeded in Europe. His style of play and good hand, added to a physique that would allow him to defend several positions, could help him become a star in European basketball.
TJ Warren
Age: 31
Position: Small forward / Power forward
Statistics 2023-24: 3.7 points (15.4% on three-pointers), 2.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 11 games with the Wolves
NBA career: 385 games in 9 seasons between Suns, Pacers, Nets and Timberwolves
He was one of the big stars of the NBA bubble in 2020 and has more than demonstrated that he can be a great scorer. However, despite his talent, TJ Warren’s recent injury history could raise some doubts about whether he could continue.
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