By Giorgos Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
There might not be any competitive action going on now but, for the last few days, the transfer market has been especially active.
The coaches, together with the managements, are putting all competitive concerns on the table and planning their moves very carefully in order to correct the problems and come back improved for the new season.
Besides, the contracts of several players have expired and, as a result, they are free agents, while there are some who, thanks to their excellent performances, will definitely try to find something better even if they’re not free.
Eurohoops presents a list with some of the most important free agents that competed in the EuroLeague. These are top-shelf players who can tip the balance in a variety of ways in any team they are transferred to. It’s worth noting that there are several more names that are not included below…
Milos Teodosic – 16.1 points, 6.8 assists, 2.1 rebounds
The facts regarding Milos Teodosic are specific. At 30 years of age he has to make one of the most important decisions in his career, as he has to choose between the given interest of NBA teams or the royal contract that CSKA Moscow is offering in order to keep him in Russia for another 3 years.
As for his performance on the court? No special recommendations are needed! Milos Teodosic is coming off his most productive season both in terms of scoring as well as creating, averaging 16.1 points and 6.8 assists in a total of 29 appearances in the EuroLeague.
Brad Wanamaker – 16.7 points, 4.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds
The case of Brad Wanamaker is one of the most interesting on this particular list since the player is bound by contract to Darussafaka, who will be playing in the Eurocup in the new season.
The American’s talent, combined with his magical performances this season that earned him a spot on the Second All-EuroLeague team, don’t allow for anything less than his participation in the EuroLeague.
His looming departure from Darussafaka automatically brings him to the top of the transfer list of Europe’s best clubs (Fenerbahce, CSKA, and others) while no one can rule out the prospect of the NBA. Of course, due to the Dogus connection, Fenerbahce seems to have the upper hand.
Shane Larkin – 13.1 points, 5.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds
Those who had seen Shane Larkin in the years he played in the NBA were probably not surprised by what they saw on the courts of the EuroLeague in the colors of Baskonia.
The American is fast, with a unique ability driving to the basket, a reliable shot and very good creation. All these elements rank him rightfully among the best guards in Europe and place him very high on the transfer list of the teams that are after a top-shelf solution.
The contract Shane Larkin signed with Baskonia last summer was for one year, which means that, for a few weeks, the player has been free to negotiate his future. And Barcelona is already knocking on his door.
Mike James – 13.1 points, 3 assists, 2.2 rebounds
Mike James’s one-year contract with Panathinaikos has expired but this in no way means that the future of the two sides cannot be common.
The American guard had a rather eventful season, was criticized heavily at times, but his presence in the finals overturned all that. Xavi Pascual likes the player and he wants him to stay and, for this reason, the Greens’ management has already made its move to keep him in Greece for another two years.
James is one of the fastest players in the entire EuroLeague, he has much in common with Shane Larkin who was mentioned earlier, and surely he’ll have no trouble finding a team. Panathinaikos remain the big favorites…
Adam Hanga – 10.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Yet another of the summer’s “hot” names, who has expressed his desire to make the big leap to the NBA, but if that doesn’t happen, he won’t have any trouble finding a team in the EuroLeague.
To be precise, since a few days ago, Eurohoops has revealed that Adam Hanga is getting closer to the Spurs and, in case he leaves Europe, the team from San Antonio is the one that will include him on its roster. If the financial offer does not satisfy the Hungarian forward then there is the alternative of Barcelona, who definitely have the player on their transfer list and will try to get him.
In terms of Hanga’s worth on the court, there’s no need for words. A good offender, an even better defender, an exceptional character, and with energy levels that allow him to play to the max for as long as he’s on the court. One of the EuroLeague’s multi-tools that have a place on every roster!
Aaron Jackson – 7.6 points, 3.6 assists, 1.4 rebounds
Despite the fact that he had his best season, Aaron Jackson is a free agent and, as is perfectly reasonable, the interest of several teams to acquire him is a given.
As Eurohoops made known, the American already has in his hands an offer from Anadolu Efes and Olympiacos for two-year contracts, with the player however not being in a rush to make his final decision. After 6 consecutive seasons in the EuroLeague, a total of 166 appearances and 5 consecutive appearances in the Final Four with CSKA Moscow, Jackson has the requisite experience to reinforce a team that is aiming for the top of Europe.
It’s worth noting that the 31-year-old guard has evolved his game significantly as, aside from being an excellent defender he can now threaten from a distance (47.7% in three-point shooting!), create rifts through drives, and create (3.6 assists) for his teammates.
Darius Miller – 12.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2 assists
Darius Miller completed his second season in the EuroLeague in the colors of Bamberg but it’s very unlikely that he’ll be playing in Germany in the new season.
The American already has an offer from Barcelona, he’s very high up on CSKA Moscow’s transfer list, while, after winning the league, Fenerbahce might make a move for his acquisition.
From there, no one can rule out another suitor coming in to get his signature. Besides, what coach wouldn’t want on their roster a player who can play in the post, make shots from any distance, score after a dribble and play good defense?
Jayson Granger – 9.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists
One thing is certain in this transfer period. There are a lot of quality guards on the market, and Jayson Granger confirms that fact.
The Uruguayan is another top-shelf player and after two years in Anadolu Efes he’s open to offers from other EuroLeague teams or to renegotiate with the Turkish club for a new contract. Already Unicaja and Baskonia are high on him.
It’s a given that Granger has a place on the rosters of the best teams in the competition, something that he proved this season again, especially in the playoff series against Olympiacos. He’s one of the physically strongest players in his position, he provides solutions in scoring and creating, he’s fast, and can cover the guard positions ideally with a leading or complementary role, depending on what’s required.
Gigi Datome – 9.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Latavious Williams – 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds
Despite the fact that there are more important names than Latavious Williams on the market, the case of the American forward/center is of great interest since he can turn out to be one of the best “value for money” players in the EuroLeague.
The season he had with Unics Kazan wasn’t especially impressive (6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds), but there were games in which he proved that he can be more than helpful. His jumping ability is impressive and it’s certain that if he has a playmaker who is skillful in creating and in the pick-and-roll on his side, then he automatically goes up a level.
The team that will reach a deal with him will have included on their roster an undersized big man with energy in offense/defense but also one who can play above the rim.