By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
There may not be any game action during the summer, but basketball fans don’t mind at all since the reinforcement of clubs is pretty interesting in itself.
Coaches, in collaboration with the teams’ managements, want to correct everything that went wrong and additions to and removals from the roster are deemed necessary on most occasions.
Eurohoops presents in no particuliar order 10 top-class centers that saw their contracts expire and who will have to renegotiate with their teams or look elsewhere for the next stop in their career…
Ante Tomic
Stats: 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 62.1% in three-point shooting
Ante Tomic is the center with the best technique in the entire EuroLeague and this specific element makes him stand out. After 6 years in Barcelona, the contract between the two parties expires. Of course, the two sides will sit at the table and the scenario of them continuing together is becoming more and more likely.
The Croatian has enormous experience with 220 games in the competition, while he’s coming off a pretty good season with an average of 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 62.1% in two-point shooting. Tomic can also function as a playmaker in the paint since his basketball IQ helps him read situations quickly and create for his teammates.
At a time when undersized centers have become fashionable, the 31-year-old player combines skills that have begun to disappear. He prefers to post up, to collaborate with the point guards or pass out to the weak side. On the other hand, he lacks strength and athletic qualities and has trouble against more agile big men.
Jason Thompson
Stats: 5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.1 PIR
When Fenerbahce reached a deal with Jason Thompson, Zeljko Obradovic was definitely expecting more from his player. The American, however, was late in adapting to the club’s demands and never found a rhythm in his game that would allow him to perform according to his true abilities.
If he stays in Europe, Thompson is expected to have a much better season as he now knows how the game is played and the European philosophy. His very strong body and good positioning help him make up for his lack of technical skills, while he attempts several mid-range shots with an overall 53.3% in two-point shooting.
Thompson can have a complementary role in any EuroLeague team, with the creative talent of smaller players influencing his performance to a significant degree. He rarely creates plays for himself but if he gets the ball close to the basket with good conditions, he will finish the play successfully.