This article focuses on players who have leveraged their Euro League experience to either return to the U.S. or stand on the brink of a major NBA comeback. These athletes did not just maintain their careers abroad—they elevated them. Now, the reverse migration is gaining momentum.
Tyler Dorsey
Tyler Dorsey’s journey is one of persistence and adaptability. After returning to the U.S. on a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks in 2022, Dorsey did not solidify a long-term NBA role. Instead of fading away, he returned to Europe, a move that reignited his game. He displayed elite shooting and composure under pressure, proving himself as one of the top offensive guards in the Euro League. As of the 2024–25 season, NBA and G-League teams are once again circling. Dorsey is not just a past prospect—he is a potential 2025 returnee with a legitimate shot at a full NBA comeback.
Darius Thompson
Currently playing for Anadolu Efes, Darius Thompson has become one of the most heavily scouted American players in the Euro League. His high IQ, two-way play, and control at the point guard position have made him a standout in 2024–25. NBA front offices are monitoring his every game, and his name has been linked to several franchises seeking steady backcourt playmakers. Thompson’s stock is climbing fast, and his smooth transition from collegiate ball to Euro League stardom positions him as a top contender for the Euro League-to-NBA jump in 2025.
Nigel Williams-Goss
Nigel Williams-Goss is a classic example of a player navigating the tightrope between U.S. and European basketball. After stints with the Utah Jazz and time in the Euro League, he signed with Zalgiris Kaunas for the 2023–24 season. By early 2025, he remains a fixture in European basketball, but his NBA experience and adaptable style make him an asset. His ability to orchestrate offenses and defend multiple positions keeps the door open for another stateside return—proving that some careers do not follow a straight line but still shine.
Jordan Loyd
Jordan Loyd, now starring for AS Monaco, is redefining his professional arc. Once part of the NBA/G-League circuit, his European experience has elevated his decision-making and off-ball movement to elite levels. He delivers high-efficiency performances in one of the Euro League’s most competitive rosters. Scouts have taken notice, and Loyd is again in the discussion as a player with NBA-ready skills. His growth abroad is turning heads back home, a reminder that paths to the NBA are not always domestic. This resurgence could lead him back to the league in 2025.
Kevin Punter
Kevin Punter has emerged as one of the Euro League’s most lethal scorers with Partizan. His offensive arsenal includes deep threes, crafty floaters, and fearless drives. Though there is no confirmed NBA move on the table for 2025, Punter has been loosely connected to U.S. interest over the past few seasons. His ability to take over games and hit clutch shots makes him a fringe candidate worth watching. Given the right team fit, his return could be a surprise play for franchises looking to boost bench scoring. His numbers in Europe are aligning with some of the best betting picks for top scorers.
EuroLeague as a Platform for U.S. Redemption
For many American players, the Euro League is not just an alternative—it is an opportunity to grow in ways the NBA might not initially allow. The slower pace, half-court execution, and emphasis on fundamentals challenge guards and wings to sharpen decision-making and efficiency. Players like Thompson and Dorsey exemplify how Euro League systems fine-tune basketball instincts. These polished skills often catch NBA coaches’ attention when teams are hunting for plug-and-play contributors rather than raw talent.
Relevance of 2024–25 Scouting Reports
As of 2024–25, NBA teams are looking deeper into the Euro League talent pool than in previous years. With several returnees performing above expectations, general managers see the overseas path as less of a gamble. Darius Thompson’s ongoing dominance and Tyler Dorsey’s rising demand are proof that scouting overseas can yield low-risk, high-reward signings. The updated scouting metrics now prioritize experience and adaptability—qualities honed through Euro League battles.
The Bounce-Back Blueprint
Williams-Goss’s and Dorsey’s trajectories share a vital trait—they rebuilt their stock outside the NBA. Instead of lingering in the G-League or waiting on 10-day contracts, they chose Euro League rosters where playing time, coaching, and fan expectations are intense. These crucibles of competition reshape their reputations and give them the momentum to step back into U.S. basketball with credibility. Their stories could shape the model for future players unsure about what to do post-waiver.
Historically, the movement of talent flowed in one direction—from Europe to the NBA. But that narrative is shifting. American players returning from Euro League squads with developed skill sets and proven leadership are now sought-after assets. The growing parity in coaching and player development across the Atlantic is making the NBA take notice of the returnees’ value. It is no longer about stardom—it is about proven performance.
What 2025 Could Look Like for Returnees
Looking ahead, Darius Thompson stands as the strongest bet for an NBA comeback in 2025. His production with Anadolu Efes is top-tier, and the interest from NBA teams is very real. Tyler Dorsey remains a wildcard, capable of filling a scoring role for a team needing bench punch. Nigel Williams-Goss could surprise with a veteran minimum deal or a strong Summer League showing. Jordan Loyd and Kevin Punter are dark horses, but they are climbing the radar. These names could headline a new era where the Euro League is not a detour—it is the proving ground for American redemption stories.