By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA 2K18 is becoming globally available this week and while there are no EuroLeague teams in this year’s 2K edition, European basketball fans may still play as some of the most famous stars of last season’s competition.
To the surprise of no one, NBA teams also shopped from the pool of EuroLeague players during offseason, including members of the All-First Team and All-Second Team of the championship in their “to-buy” lists.
Thus some of the most prominent players or young stars of the 2016-2017 season are featured in 2K18 since they are now members of NBA teams. Here are their profiles.
Mike James (Phoenix Suns, Panathinaikos) and Brandon Paul (San Antonio Spurs, ex Anadolu Efes) aren’t included in the game so far.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (Sacramento Kings, ex Fenerbahce)
First of all: OUCH. Bogdanovic’s look leaves us a bit puzzled but we like the “Aggressive Scorer” part, even though it sounds mundane compared to the general impact he has on offense. But yes, he’s a guy who can lay it to the hoop in all manners imaginable and from all corners of the floor. His shooting could’ve been bosted up if you take into account that while in Europe, he often shot way beyond the NBA 3-point range.
Furkan Korkmaz (Philadelphia 76ers, ex Anadolu Efes/Banvit)
We’re going to skip the fact that Furkan doesn’t look like Korkmaz at all and move on to his characteristics. The Turkish wing’s most powerful attribute is his shooting (a 74 rating on wide open 3s) which also basically reflects the role he’ll initially have in the 76ers: That of a “catch & shoot” guy, called to space the floor for his teammates. The upside for contributing a lot more is strong but needs a lot of work. Especially in the gym.
Shane Larkin (Boston Celtics, ex Baskonia)
Shane Larkin signed with the Boston Celtics and returned to the NBA, capitalizing on a brilliant season with Baskonia. His talent to influence the offense with either scoring or facilitating truly makes him an “Offensive-Minded Point” and it’s not surprising that his speed and ball handling are graded with 3/3 stars each.
Cedi Osman (Cleveland Cavaliers, ex Anadolu Efes)
Not sure if Cedi Osman, or the illegitimate child of Bojan Bogdanovic and Timofey Mozgov. Jokes aside, “Jedi” is characterized as a “two-way guard” and the Cavaliers definitely expect from him to funnel tons of energy, hustle, and tenacity on both ends of the floor. And some perimeter shooting wouldn’t hurt either.
Milos Teodosic (L.A. Clippers, ex CSKA Moscow)
As we’ve already discussed before, Milos’ portrayal is quite accurate on all aspects. The “Crafty Offensive Star” game character description pretty much defines his style and mindset of operating on the floor. It could be argued that he deserves more than the 77 overall rating, but only three rookies are ranked higher than him: Markelle Fultz (Philadelphia 76ers) and Lonzo Ball (L.A. Lakers) with 80 each plus Josh Jackson (Phoenix Suns) who has 78.
Daniel Theis (Boston Celtics, ex Brose Bamberg)
His evergrowing shooting skills (from mid or long range) aren’t taken much into consideration and thus are perhaps a bit underrated but Theis’ ability to be a multifaceted asset on defense thanks to his mobility and athleticism is duly noted. There’s also some (or a lot) room of improvement regarding his facial features.