By Melikşah Bayrav/ info@eurohoops.net
At the end of the 2023-24 installment of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and Panathinaikos Aktor crowned champion, the participating teams are already considering numerous options, hoping to strengthen their respective squads on the way to the 2024-25 Regular Season.
Similar to most summers, the free-agent market is expected to cover a significant portion of offseason moves for clubs of Europe’s premier club continental competition.
Eurohoops brings to you the Top 10 Free Agent Point Guards.
NOTE: Players with a +1 year option in their contract are not included in the list.
Mike James – AS Monaco
Age: 33
Last season: 39 games, 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists
On top of our list, the most valuable player of the 2023-24 season, Mike James. After three years with AS Monaco, he is at the peak of his career. His contract expires this summer.
An interesting season for the star of the league. Tremendous showings throughout the Regular Season. He was the main reason his side secured homecourt advantage in the Playoffs. He also became the all-time leading scorer, leapfrogging Vassilis Spanoulis.
James emerged as the favorite for the MVP award and indeed got the nod. At 33, he was named season MVP for the first time in his career.
However, at the bottom end of the campaign, he did not meet expectations, struggling against the effective defense of Fenerbahce Beko in the Playoffs. Aggressive Nick Calathes disrupted his rhythm. And La Roca Team was forced to the wrong end of a crazy best-of-five series.
Still, the headliner of the free-agent market. Undoubtedly, the best scorer in the EuroLeague. If he does not reach an agreement to renew his contract with Monaco, top clubs of the Old Continent will be looking to secure his services.
Keenan Evans – Zalgiris
Age: 27
Last season: 34 games, 17.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists
Another setback for Keenan Evans marked his 2023-24 campaign.
Recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, brilliant displays were spread across the Zalgiris fixtures, projecting him as an intriguing free agent. Hurting his left knee and undergoing surgery in late May, he will be sidelined for at least six months.
Before the latest injury, he fell short of leading the Kaunas outfit to the Playoffs, despite playing his best basketball at this level. Attracting the attention of numerous clubs, he was expected to move his talents to Olympiacos. That is no longer the case.
Proving more than capable of bouncing back in style from a serious injury, his determination can be a positive for teams seeking a scoring touch in the free-agent market, heading to the next season.