By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
On May 21, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague 2022/23 season concluded, with Real Madrid winning the trophy.
And while only a few days have passed since the official finale, everyone’s thoughts are already on the future.
The first reports and rumors about next season have tentatively made their appearance, and judging by the domino effect of the developments in all the teams, we will certainly have a busy summer.
The composition of the 18 teams for the 2023/24 Euroleague is still unknown, but it’s clear that it matters little. Although domestic competitions are still to finish, Eurohoops is kicking things off with free-agent lists.
The finale comes with the centers we saw in the Euroleague this year. It’s worth mentioning that we have not included cases of players who have an option for the 2023/24 season, and that the list includes only players who competed during the 2022-23 season in the EuroLeague.
Not everyone fits into our top ten, with players like Othello Hunter and Tarik Black deserving of mention. It’s also worth noting that Mam Jaite is not on our list, as he has already agreed a deal with Monaco.
Euroleague: 2023-24 roster and transfer guide
Mathias Lessort
Nationality: France
Team: Partizan
Date of birth: 29/9/95
Stats 2022/23: 12 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 19.1 PIR in 30:10′ (38 games)
Mathias Lessort had the season of his career at Partizan under Zeljko Obradovic.
Everything started and ended with the Frenchman near the rim for the Serbs, with Lessort posting incredible numbers, especially in rebounding and PIR.
All of this has made him highly sought after in the Euroleague, and his name has been linked to many teams ahead of free agency.
It remains to be seen if the bond between Partizan fans and Obradovic will keep him in Belgrade.
Georgios Papagiannis
Nationality: Greece
Team: Panathinaikos
Date of birth: 3/7/97
Stats 2022/23: 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 11.4 PIR in 23:43′ (33 games)
For the first time after 2018, when he returned from the NBA for Panathinaikos, Georgios Papagiannis is a free agent on the market.
The Greek center is perhaps the team’s most important asset, and logic says he won’t leave easily.
His skills, experience, size, and age make him a perfect package.
Either way, the Green’s captain will be on the lists of many teams. It remains to be seen if he will leave Greece.
Sertac Sanli
Nationality: Turkey
Team: Barcelona
Date of birth: 5/8/91
Stats 2022/23: 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1 assist, 5.1 PIR in 17:09′ (36 games)
Sertac Sanli’s contract with Barcelona ends next summer after two seasons.
The Turk had a good run at Barcelona, but no one knows if they will keep him next year.
Either way, we’re talking about one of the best centers in the Euroleague, especially on the offensive end with his shooting.
The 31-year-old champion with Efes in 2021 will look at the offers, which are expected to be many.
Josh Nebo
Nationality: USA
Team: Maccabi Tel Aviv
Date of birth: 17/7/97
Stats 2022/23: 7.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 11.7 PIR in 21:38′ (39 games)
Josh Nebo is completing his second Euroleague season (Zalgiris) and first with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
And the truth is that he gave a lot of help to his team, especially offensively, but also with his many rebounds.
The American is characterized by his dynamic game, something that many teams appreciate and circled on their lists.
Nebo is a good fit for anyone who needs a quality center, not just a complementary position.
Jasiel Rivero
Nationality: Cuba
Team: Valencia
Date of birth: 31/10/93
Stats 2022/23: 9.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 9.2 PIR in 18:49′ (24 games)
A name many wouldn’t expect to see on our list. However, Jasiel Rivero more than deserves it.
He may have gone unnoticed by many due to Valencia‘s run, but the Cuban has had a very good season.
In fact, his first in the Euroleague. He showed that he can be a threat on offense and a barometer on defense.
This and more put him in our top ten, as he could prove to be a ‘scoop’ for many, many teams in the league.
Arturas Gudaitis
Nationality: Lithuania
Team: Panathinaikos
Date of birth: 19/6/93
Stats 2022/23: 7.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 8.9 PIR in 17:20′ (29 games)
Arturas Gudaitis donned the green of Panathinaikos last summer, signing for one year.
This means he will be back on the market as a free agent, coming off a good individual season, especially offensively.
The Lithuanian is very experienced in the Euroleague, being one of the last centers with his traits.
Therefore, it won’t be difficult for him to find his next team, given that Panathinaikos might be looking for something else.
Kyle Hines
Nationality: USA
Team: Armani Milano
Date of birth: 2/9/86
Stats 2022/23: 5.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 7.7 PIR in 18:48′ (34 games)
No one knows if Kyle Hines will continue for a 14th straight season in the Euroleague. He turns 37 in September.
Even so, we couldn’t keep one of the most impactful centers of our era off our list.
It would be no exaggeration to write that Hines is a legend in Euroleague history with four trophies.
And many, many more, making him a rare and special case. Nothing more needs to be said.
Bryant Dunston
Nationality: USA
Team: Anadolu Efes
Date of birth: 28/5/86
Stats 2022/23: 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 6.8 PIR in 13:35′ (29 games)
Bryant Dunston also needs no introduction. He is one of the top centers in the modern Euroleague.
The American has worn Efes‘ jersey since 2015, but all signs point to their partnership not continuing.
Having already entered his 37th year and with reduced playing time (and role), one would think that he might not find a place in the league.
Anyone who thinks that is probably overlooking the fact that he can still make a difference off the bench.
Donatas Motiejunas
Nationality: Lithuania
Team: Monaco
Date of birth: 20/9/90
Stats 2022/23: 8.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 10 PIR in 17:47′ (41 games)
Donatas Motiejunas returned to Europe in 2021 for Monaco, and together they had two very good seasons.
The two sides are preparing to part ways, with the 32-year-old center hitting the market as a free agent.
No one knows if his priority is the Euroleague, as he was playing in China before his return.
Either way, we’re talking about a strong name for the ”five” spot, and several teams will be knocking on his door.
Tibor Pleiss
Nationality: Germany
Team: Anadolu Efes
Date of birth: 2/11/89
Stats for 2022/23: 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 6.7 PIR in 15:06′ (33 games)
Tibor Place has worn Efes’ jersey since 2018, and based on their contract, they will soon say goodbye.
The German has had a more limited role in the team this year, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t helped as much as he has played.
His experience and shooting ability make the 33-year-old a very quality option for any team looking for a center for the upcoming season.
One thing is for sure, he will be on many people’s lists unless Efes has a contrary opinion at the end.
Read also:
The Top 10 EuroLeague Free Agents Point Guards
The Top 10 EuroLeague Free Agents Shooting Guards
The Top 10 EuroLeague Free Agents Small Forwards
The Top 10 EuroLeague Free Agents Power Forwards