By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
Τhe 16 clubs of the EuroLeague continue to implement their plans and signings are one of the most basic components of the summer.
Of course, it’s the free agents who attract most of the interest as they are expected to get offers and will have to make decisions regarding their future.
Eurohoops rounds off the presentation of the best players on the free agent market – in no particular order – and now it’s the power forwards’ turn, a group in which one comes across some big names.
Take another look at the 10 best point guards on the free agent market
Take another look at the 10 best shooting guards on the free agent market
Take another look at the 10 best small forwards on the free agent market
Take another look at the 10 best centers on the free agent market
Anthony Randolph
Stats: 8.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 9.6 PIR
A healthy Anthony Randolph is a luxury for the EuroLeague and his upcoming departure from Real Madrid is setting the transfer market… on fire. The American combines physical attributes (2.11m), athleticism and competitive elements that very few players in the entire EuroLeague have and offers are expected to come in by the bucket.
His shoulder injury didn’t allow the 29-year-old forward to play according to his real abilities since, in 21 games, he averaged 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds. Even so, Randolph proved he’s an especially reliable shooter who can put the ball on the floor, dominate above the rim and run the court.
In general, the American is a top-shelf player who can make the difference. Besides, he has 252 appearances in the NBA and, at 29 years of age, he has everything that is needed to add experience, quality, and solutions to a roster.
Chris Singleton
Stats: 10.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1 block
Chris Singleton’s contract with Panathinaikos has expired and this development sparks a series of scenarios for teams that want to make the player their own. The American wants to return to the NBA but this doesn’t mean he would turn down a good offer from a European club.
The 29-year-old forward’s biggest asset is his long-range shooting, being in the range of 45% from behind the 6.75m line in the last two seasons. But it’s not just that, since he’s a great rebounder who produces energy on both sides of the court and who knows how to keep his stats full. Singleton’s presence in the line-up forces the rival big man to follow him away from the basket and he automatically raises the team’s level.
Of course, his is another case that shines on this year’s free agent market and even though his price is high, he’s more than worth the money.
Milko Bjelica
Stats: 9.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists
The years may have gone by but Milko Bjelica is still a safe solution that can offer specific things on the court. The 34-year-old forward finished the season in the colors of Zaragoza, though he spent the greatest part of the season with Crvena Zvezda, averaging 9.2 points and 3.7 rebounds.
After 194 games in the EuroLeague, Bjelica is considered a veteran in the competition who, armed with experience, knows how to win a lot of battles close to the basket. He’s very effective in the post, his shooting ability is decent, while he doesn’t need time to adapt since he knows the EuroLeague like the back of his hand.
Bjelica is about to sign one of the last contracts of his career and clubs don’t need to spend a large sum in order to make him their own, which means that it is very likely we will see him in a mid-level EuroLeague team.