By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With an asterisk in place pending future blockbuster moves, Eurohoops presents the Top 10 transfers completed by the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague teams so far.
CSKA Moscow landed two out the four top spots, while AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano is the only side with three Top 10 appearances.
Other moves potentially cracking our initial list consisting of players changing teams within Europe’s premier club competition can be returnees from the NBA the likes of Pau Gasol and Ante Zizic who are linked to FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, even though the Spanish powerhouses are currently officially denying the rumors (update: Zizic ended up with Maccabi Tel Aviv, while Barcelona denied the possibility to sign Gasol due to financial reasons).
Meanwhile, it has to be noted that the biggest buzz this summer was probably created by two coaches, Sarunas Jasikevicius moving to Barcelona and Igor Koskokov to Fenerbahce.
Overall, several stars were retained by their teams this summer. The coronavirus pandemic and its financial impact prevented bigger changes but still, there’s a solid Top 10 rundown sprinkles a field of household EuroLeague names.
1. Tornike Shengelia
FROM: KIROLBET Baskonia
TO: CSKA Moscow
No dispute for first place in our Top 10 with KIROLBET Baskonia leader Shengelia joining Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow. His arrival will likely bring an altered game-by-game inside approach definitely strengthening the bid to retain championship status gained in 2019. Despite budget restrictions, Dimitris Itoudis will enjoy a flurry of options including the 28-year-old Georgian forward.
2. Nick Calathes
FROM: Panathinaikos OPAP
TO: FC Barcelona
Another former leader opting to switch sides comes in the form of Calathes. A veteran of eight EuroLeague campaigns with Panathinaikos, five through his latest stint, from now on brings his floor general credentials to FC Barcelona. Like the team based in Catalonia was not strong enough, further optimism was built with the hiring of Sarunas Jasikevicius, ex-teammate of Calathes at Panathinaikos.
FROM: Fenerbahce Beko
TO: Olympiacos
Sloukas returned to Olympiacos following a five-year run with Fenerbahce. In Turkey, he captured one more EuroLeague championship, back in Greece packed with additional experience certainly generated a blockbuster transfer for the Reds. Reuniting with head coach Giorgos Bartzokas attaches nostalgia for the fans.