By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague is over, and the NBA Finals are a couple of days away. Throughout the EuroLeague season, many players shined and attracted the interest of NBA teams. The upcoming off-season will be exciting and interesting as players from Europe’s top-tier competition may decide to travel to the United States and join the world’s best competition.
Eurohoops presents ten players that may end up in the NBA next season, after having great years in the 2017-2018 EuroLeague.
The list could be expanded including names like Fenerbahce‘s Bradley Wanamaker and Nicolo Melli, as also Scottie Wilbekin who had a stellar season in EuroCup. However, the ten players included not only can play in the NBA, but there are many indications about legit interest for them and also about their wish to play in the States.
Luka Doncic
- Stats: 16.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.3 APG
- Team: Real Madrid
- Age: 19
- Position: G
Luka Doncic was the best player in Europe this year, winning every single award and leading Real Madrid to the EuroLeague’s Final Four glory. The 19-year old sensation finished the season by averaging 16.0 points (57.2% 2FG), 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. He was the rising star of the year, the MVP of the regular season and Belgrade’s Final Four MVP; becoming the youngest player in history to win both.
The NBA is the next destination for Luka or not? According to ESPN’s latest mock draft, the Slovenian would get picked at second overall by the Sacramento Kings, but as Doncic told Eurohoops the decision about the NBA Draft has not been made yet. Still, it will be more than a surprise for him to stay in Europe for one more season, even if he has a contract until 2019 with Real Madrid. which of course includes a decent buyout. He sure is one of the best international prospects ever.