By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Eurohoops has gathered 10 NBA free agents who could possibly fit into European territories. Some have played in Europe before, some others could use the chance to. And after all, the NBA marker has proven to be a really tough place for “middle class” players and that’s why the old continent can be a real choise for them.
It has to be noted that all the players on the list still have the NBA as their main priority and the Chinese CBA can also offer them big contracts. Here they are in no particular order.
On to the list!
Alex Len
Last team: Phoenix Suns / 8.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg
He had his best season yet in the NBA, however, after five years in the league, the Ukrainian big man never realized the potential of a player drafted with the 5th pick.
He has the tools to stay part of the NBA and maybe if he gets in the right situation he can be even more productive. On the other hand, a player with his abilities could dominate in Europe. Yes, basketball is changing and the old school centers are not the commodity they used to be. On the other hand, a player like Len who is just entering his prime, will not have an equal opponent in Europe. The true issue here is the fact that he made more than $4 million last season and very few EuroLeague clubs can provide him with real financial motive to make the jump.
Shane Larkin
Last team: Boston Celtics / 4.3 ppg, 1.8 apg
Larkin’s short stint on the Boston Celtics‘ bench didn’t turn out the way he might have expected. However, European teams are striving to sign him.
Per reports, Baskonia wants to bring Larkin back, something which could happen eventually. Larkin’s ability to run a second-unit offense and knock down triples at a decent rate is highly valued, hence it wouldn’t be a surprise if he received an alluring offer from a European team.
Shelvin Mack
Mack led the Magic in assists with 3.9 per game this past season, though he got waived a few days prior. He’s a well-experienced point guard who could add quality and depth to any roster and could really use the chance to show his leadership skills.
With his teammate in Butler, Matt Howard, being one of the familiar names around Europe, it seems that it might be the time for him to also consider the jump to the old continent.
Lucas Nogueira
Last team: Toronto Raptors 2.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg
The Brazilian big man, who started his career in Estudiantes in 2009, made the big jump to the NBA five years later by joining the Toronto Raptors.
After spending four seasons in Toronto, the team decided to part ways with him and now he’s on the free market. At 25, he could easily make a jump back in Europe, for any team that’s looking for an “old-school” center that can use his 2.13m figure to dominate inside the paint.
Ty Lawson
Last team: Washington Wizards 5.8 ppg, 3.0 apg (PO)
Lawson spent most of the 2017-18 season in China and returned to the NBA to play a backup point guard role in the playoffs for the Wizards.
His experience could be great for any European team looking for a guard if only is he willing to return to Europe after his short visit during the 2011 NBA lockout. Lawson moved to Zalgiris along with fellow NBAer at that time, Sonny Weems, though he shortly returned to the Nuggets once the lockout was over.
Malcolm Delaney 
Last team: Atlanta Hawks / 6.3 ppg, 3.0 apg
Following the news of Anadolu Efes‘ lucrative $2.2M offer to Delaney, the experienced guard seems to be dwelling on the thought of returning to Europe, even though NBA remains his main priority.
His stellar European performances have left an impression, hence the interest he’s received both from the Turkish team and Khimki Moscow is well explained.
Delaney is also eyed from Chinese League teams, though Europe ranks high on his list.
Jordan Crawford
Last team: New Orleans Pelicans / 6.6 ppg, 2.6 apg
Crawford could use his great scoring skills in any European team that’s willing to take the risk. The 29-year-old has spent his career between the NBA, D-League and China. He returned to the NBA for the Pelicans last season, yet only played five games.
His name has been rumored in recent years as a target mainly of Spanish teams, however he has not had yet any European experience.