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.
Nick Calathes
- Stats: 14.5 PPG, 8.0 APG
- Team: Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens
- Age: 29
- Position: G
Nick Calathes completed a phenomenal year in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague as he was named to the EuroLeague’s best starting five. He was the best playmaker of the competition and broke many records with his 8.0 assists average. He also put up 14.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
From 2013 until 2015, Calathes played in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies, and now he has a legit chance of traveling back to the United States and returning to the NBA. According to ESPN, the 29-year old point-guard wishes to return to the NBA as this off-season he is a free agent and has hired a US agent, especially for searching NBA options. His good friend Chandler Parsons of the Memphis Grizzlies had also tweeted that Calathes deserves to be in the NBA.
Norris Cole
- Stats: 12.6 PPG, 3.8 APG
- Team: Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv
- Age: 29
- Position: G
In his first year in Europe, Norris Cole did not disappoint. Even though his team, Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv did not manage to qualify for the playoffs, Cole averaged 12.6 points and 3.8 assists per game.
He had aimed to stay in Europe for one year, he is a free agent and he is looking for NBA options to return to the world’s best league. The 29-year old ex NBA champ brought leadership and defense to Tel Aviv and this summer will be interesting for him.