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.
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Eurohoops brings to you the Top 10 Free Agent Power Forwards.
NOTE: Players with a +1 year option in their contract are not included in the list.
John Brown III – AS Monaco
Age: 32
Last season: 36 games, 6.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals
At first glance, specifically at his game stats, John Brown III seems an average player. But we are talking about a seasoned player, one of the most efficient power forwards of the EuroLeague.
The secret behind the success of AS Monaco over the last two years is aggressive defense. Most are delivered by the High Point product. Brown can defend one through five. And is near perfect. His athleticism and reach is an issue for every opponent.
If he does not reach an agreement to renew his contract with Monaco, his free-agent status will immediately attract the attention of numerous potential suitors.
Nicolo Melli – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
Age: 33
Last season: 34 games, 7.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Returning to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in 2021, following a cup of tea in the NBA, Nicolo Melli took over a leading role. Le Scarpette Rosse would love to keep him around beyond his expiring contract.
Perhaps past the peak of his career, he is ranked among the best players in the EuroLeague. His ability to read the game, using his experience, is the top quality in pulling down rebounds and finding the right teammate, countering lesser contributions in points.
Steadily expanding from the four to the five position, his style of play has adjusted over the years.
Johannes Thiemann – ALBA Berlin
Age: 30
Last season: 29 games, 12.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Among the few positives in a poor campaign for ALBA Berlin, Johannes Thiemann recorded his best expedition in Europe’s premier club continental competition.
Coming out of the 2023 FIBA World Cup and winning gold with Germany, he was the most consistent player early in the season. Splitting playing time between the four and five positions, he was particularly effective in the paint. Besides posting and shooting with both hands, his game is solid in the midrange area as well. Add rebounding talent to the mix, he is an excellent option in the free-agent market.
Likely to move on from the Albatrosse, multiple teams are expected to reach out, hoping to secure his services.
Matt Costello – Baskonia
Age: 30
Last season: 33 games 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists
In line with the versatility of modern basketball, another forward/center makes our list in the form of Matt Costello.
Coming out of three years at Baskonia, the former Michigan State standout is en route to free agency this summer. He was a perfect fit for the team based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, accustomed to fast-paced offense. In addition to an immediate scoring threat, he was brilliant in the pick-and-roll and widened the offense with his long-range shots.
Sticking around with Baskonia will be an option. Otherwise, he will be on the radar of several rival teams.
Alen Smailagic – Partizan Mozzart Bet
Age: 23
Last season: 31 games, 5.5 points, 2.2 rebounds
Alen Smailagic leaving the Golden State Warriors to join Partizan made plenty of noise. Three years later, his three-year deal is about to expire with minimal excitement left from the starting tally.
Considered one of the most important prospects of Serbian basketball and combined with legendary tactician Zeljko Obradovic, he seemed destined to succeed but has not met expectations. At 23, it is not too late, but currently navigating below initial projections is a concern.
Combining his natural position at center with a role as a power forward at the Belgrade outfit, the coaching staff was hoping for improvements in team defense and rebounding and less predictability in offense.
At Partizan or elsewhere, the next step seems huge.
Johannes Voigtmann – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
Age: 31
Last season: 34 games, 7.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Carrying six EuroLeague seasons to Olimpia Milan in 2022, Johannes Voigtmann went through two mostly uneventful years under the guidance of Ettore Messina.
Powering up the four and five positions, he enjoyed a significant role. Scoring and creating for his teammates were his main duties.
Likely moving his talents elsewhere for a ninth campaign in the EuroLeague, he will continue boosting production inside the paint at his next destination.
Jordan Mickey – Virtus Segafredo Bologna
Age: 29
Last season: 25 games, 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds
A veteran of six years in Europe’s premier club continental competition, Jordan Mickey will become a free agent this summer, at the end of his contract with Virtus Segafredo Bologna.
Dealing with injuries complicated his most recent expedition, limiting him to 26 games played. His athleticism attached to improved shooting from beyond the arc made him a constant threat when healthy. Grabbing rebounds is another positive.
If he does re-sign with the Bologna outfit, other teams looking to strengthen inside the paint will be looking at the Louisiana State product.
Mike Scott – LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne
Age: 35
Last season: 29 games, 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Moving on from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Mike Scott recently joined Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rico’s BSN.
Debuting in the EuroLeague at the bottom end of his career, following one season in the Old Continent at SLUC Nancy, he proved effective in multiple areas, including impressive showings in a poor season for the French club.
Despite adapting to the new style of basketball and being consistent in a demanding environment, getting another chance in the EuroLeague is uncertain.
Damien Inglis – Valencia
Age: 29
Last season: 32 games, 8.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Working his way up to the top-tier league of the continent, Damien Inglis finally got his chance. Emerging as an important player for Valencia, he was more than ready to compete at this level. However, the Taronges opted out of the second year of his contract.
Coming off a championship run with Gran Canaria in the BKT EuroCup, the French import delivered in scoring, rebounding, and assisting. He was among the most consistent players of Valencia.
His decision on his next step will be huge. He is widely expected to consider offers from EuroLeague teams.