By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
The summer transfer period is in full swing and most EuroLeague clubs have closed impressive deals that take their rosters to a higher level, as they do the competition itself.
There are several quality players who remain free agents but some of them have already put their signature on new contracts, the stars of the most important signings of the summer.
So, what are the 10 deals that have stood out so far? Eurohoops presents, in no particular order…
Shane Larkin (Anadolu Efes)
After a season in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, Shane Larkin returns to Europe for his second stint in the EuroLeague.
Anadolu Efes managed to close one of the biggest deals of the summer and take their backcourt on a higher level. In the 2016-2017 season, the American played in 33 European games with Baksonia and averaged 13.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists, being one of the protagonists on the courts.
Of course, we’re talking about a player who belongs on the top shelf and is a luxury for any team. He’s fast, he can drive, and he’s an excellent creator and scorer. Efes’s management deserves a lot of credit for what they’ve achieved during this transfer period…
Mike James (AX Armani Exchange Milan)
For several years now, Armani Milan’s management has been throwing a lot of money into the transfer market but they haven’t seen their investment bring the desired results. This year, however, there is a lot of optimism and one of the main reasons for it is the arrival of Mike James.
The American combo guard left Panathinaikos to move to Italy and, with an absolutely leading role now, lead the club to the playoffs of the EuroLeague. This task seems very difficult but Milan’s roster allows their fans to dream.
Besides, no one should forget that, aside from Mike James, among other players, Amedeo Della Valle, Jeff Brooks and, of course, Nemanja Nedovic, have also joined the team.
Chris Singleton (Barcelona)
Chris Singleton has a prominent position on the list of the top signings of the summer. How could it be any different when we’re talking about a player who plays as a 4 and shoots 46% from outside the three-point line, keeps his stats full and contributes in every area.
The American finished last season with an average of 10.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1 steal in the colors of Panathinaikos and now he moves to Barcelona to continue his great performances.
Barcelona made Singleton their own by offering him 2 million dollars for the 2018-2019 season and they’re hoping that, after consecutive failed seasons, their signings will take them all the way to the Final Four and, from there, to the top.
Scottie Wilbekin (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
The cases of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Barcelona have several similarities. They are two great powers of European basketball that have been seeking for the ideal formula to return to the path of success for a few years now.
The Israelis reached deep in their pockets and acquired last season’s EuroCup MVP, who’s coming off a dream season averaging 19.7 points, 4.8 assist and 42.8% behind the three-point line.
His name was also connected to Efes, the player got close to staying in Turkey, but Maccabi was the team that agreed with Darussafaka and closed a great deal. Now, it remains to be seen whether Scottie Wilbekin will justify the trust that the management has showed him to become the Israelis’ leader.