By Utkan Sahin and John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague offseason is up and running. Players might be concentrated on domestic league competition, but looking ahead to the next campaign of Europe’s premier competition Eurohoops compiled a list with the Top 10 small forwards who will be free agents this summer.
Note: Players with options in their contract are also included.
2019 EuroLeague Free Player Market: Top 10 Small Forwards
Tony Crocker (Khimki Moscow Region)
Age / Country: 32 / USA
EuroLeague Career: 1 season – 30 games
2018-19 Stats: 30 games, 8.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 5.4 PIR
Top Performance: 18 points, 3 rebounds versus KIROLBET Baskonia (Round 25)
He got to EuroLeague at the age of 31 and Tony Crocker hopes to remain in Europe’s premier competition. He averaged 8.9 points per game for Khimki Moscow Region with 45.6% inside the rainbow and 32.4% beyond the arc to make his case ahead of free agency. He was the Russian side’s best plus-minus player mostly due to the offensive threat he provides.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Panathinaikos OPAP)
Age / Country: 26 / Greece
EuroLeague Career: 2 seasons – 62 games
2018-19 Stats: 29 games, 4.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 3.9 PIR
Top Performance: 16 points, 4 rebounds versus Herbalife Gran Canaria (Round 24)
Thanasis Antetokounmpo isn’t an offensive threat similar to Tony Crocker, but can contribute in many other areas with his monstrous athletic skills. The past couple of seasons he proved he can be effective in EuroLeague especially in defense. His ability to guard in multiple positions can be an asset for any side.
Arturas Milaknis (Zalgiris Kaunas)
Age / Country: 32 / Lithuania
EuroLeague Career: 9 seasons – 181 games
2018-19 Stats: 34 games, 7 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 5.3 PIR
Top Performance: 17 points versus FC Barcelona Lassa (Round 22)
Coming off a tough EuroLeague campaign, Arturas Milaknis rolls into free agency as a proven three-point threat within Zalgiris Kaunas’ demanding shooting environment. It remains to be seen if he will celebrate his tenth EuroLeague season with Zalgiris or if he will be picked up by another club.