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.
Like 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 Shooting Guards.
Top 10 EuroLeague Free Agent Point Guards
NOTE: Players with a +1 year option in their contract are not included in the list.
Isaiah Canaan – Olympiacos
Age: 33
Last season: 41 games, 11.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists
On the way from Olympiacos to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, Isaiah Canaan will be removed from the free-agent pack, sooner rather than later.
The Murray State product competed in the EuroLeague over the last three years, including two seasons with the Piraeus outfit. Improved showings in the second half of his stint, his offensive talents were valuable, especially after the departures of Kostas Sloukas and Sasha Vezenkov.
Connecting 42.5% from three-point range, Canaan was among the best shooters of the 2023-24 edition of the EuroLeague. Fully adapted to plays by Giorgos Bartzokas, he was brilliant, beyond offense to defense.
Jordan Loyd – AS Monaco
Age: 30
Last season: 20 games, 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Spending the last two years at AS Monaco, various injuries slowed down Jordan Loyd. He was limited to 20 appearances in the 2023-24 season.
The former NBA champion in 2019 has become a veteran of five seasons in the EuroLeague, including multiple solid showings helping La Roca Team reach the 2023 Final Four. Instead of dominating the ball, he was effective in complementing leading teammates, Mike James and Elie Okobo.
Set to become a free agent this summer, his qualities naturally attract several EuroLeague clubs’ attention.
Fabien Causeur – Real Madrid
Age: 36
Last season: 32 games, 5.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists
At 36, Fabien Causeur seems to be moving on from Real Madrid after seven years with the storied club and multiple championships, including two EuroLeague titles.
The French import was dealing with a shrinking role over recent years. However, by jumping in and making a difference in several games, he was an important weapon for head coach Chus Mateo.
After 13 years in Europe’s premier club continental competition, a 14th campaign is on the cards with teams looking to use his experience and offensive talents.
Elie Okobo – AS Monaco
Age: 26
Last season: 37 games, 11.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists
After two seasons at Monaco, Elie Okobo is set to test free agency during the offseason.
Despite violating internal rules and dealing with a suspension midway through the 2023-24 season, he bounced back confirming himself among the key offensive options for head coach Sasa Obradovic. He ended up second behind Mike James in points per game and covered for his teammate taking over a prominent scoring role in most of the contests in the best-of-five series opposite Fener.
Struggling to connect from beyond the arc, he finished his third EuroLeague campaign with 30.1%.
He would be an excellent addition to other clubs, but the former player of the Phoenix Suns is expected to sign a new contract with La Roca Team.
Nando de Colo – LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne
Age: 36
Last season: 21 games, 12.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists
Staying in France, we switch to Nando De Colo, a lock to feature in Euroleague Basketball Legends.
From dominating European basketball for many years with CSKA and Fenerbahce, he moved to LDLS ASVEL Villeurbanne in 2022. Two years later and even closer to the end of his playing career, he is heading to the free-agent pool, looking for the next and potentially last challenge.
Even at the bottom end of a legendary career, the two-time EuroLeague champion is more than capable of contributing to scoring and providing depth.
Billy Baron – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
Age: 33
Last season: 3 games, 2.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists
Determined to finally overcome injury issues, Billy Baron is adequate for the needs of any EuroLeague club.
Moving his talents to Olimpia Milan in 2022, various injuries prevented the experienced shooting guard from meeting expectations. Considering being limited to three games played in the 2023-24 season, he is looking to bounce back in the 2024-25 season.
A risky option in the free-agent market. Staying clear of more setbacks, proven abilities in long-range shooting, and moving off the ball can be enough for a sixth campaign in Europe’s top-tier competition.
Carsen Edwards – FC Bayern Munich
Age: 26
Last season: 34 games, 11.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists
With the potential of elevating to a premium player in the Old Continent, Carsen Edwards has yet to meet expectations after two EuroLeague seasons.
From Fenerbahce Beko, he signed with FC Bayern Munich last summer. The former Purdue standout had a leading role but lacked consistency in scoring.
In Germany or elsewhere, packing an explosive first step and release, he seems destined to make things happen in the EuroLeague.
Edmond Sumner – Zalgiris
Age: 28
Last season: 23 games, 6.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists
From the NBA to the EuroLeague, Edmond Sumner joined Zalgiris early in the 2023-24 season.
The native of Detroit struggled in the switch to the European style of basketball, adding to overall issues of the Kaunas outfit, especially in offense. Besides glimpses of improvements behind his athleticism and explosiveness, the tally at the end of the season was disappointing.
A second year in the EuroLeague would likely be better in terms of individual adjustments, provided he accepts a potential offer, instead of considering other options.
Devon Hall – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
Age: 28
Last season: 32 games, 8.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists
After three years with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and improving on both ends of the court, Devon Hall approaches the end of his contract. The 28-year-old guard, according to Eurohoops sources, has a deal – first reported by Eurodevotion – with Fenerbahce.
From a breakout season with Brose Bamberg, the Virginia product went on to play in 93 EuroLeague games and win the LBA UnipolSai championship for three years in a row.
Besides attacking the rim and being effective in midrange shots, his stretch also helped in the defense of Milan. He was among the players trusted the most by experienced tactician Ettore Messina, but is unlikely to stay in the fashion city for a fourth season.
Matt Thomas – ALBA Berlin
Age: 29
Last season: 30 games, 10.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists
After moving his talents overseas at the top of his professional career and playing in the NBA for three years, Matt Thomas settled in the EuroLeague for the past two years.
In 2022-23, his spell with Panathinaikos did not meet expectations. From Athens to Berlin, the sharpshooter was among the standout players for the Albatrosse. In a poor season as a team, moving off the ball and making 43.2% from beyond the arc confirmed his long-range threat.
Will this be enough for him to get another chance in Europe’s premier club continental competition?
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague