By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
The 2019-20 NBA season tips off Wednesday and Eurohoops pays tribute to the Top 10 European stars of the league. From last year’s MVP and NBA veterans to Euros that are heading to their sophomore season, all 10 names have our attention as the new season begins.
10. Kristaps Porzingis (Dallas Mavericks)
Last season stats: out with ACL
If there is anyone on this list that will have his chance to shine this season, it’s Kristaps Porzingis. Alongside Doncic in the Mavericks, the two Euros can make a perfect duo against any opponent. Porzingis overcame a tough season where he was recovering from his ACL injury and parted ways with the Knicks seeking out his chance to star. Now he’s got it.
9. Domantas Sabonis (Indiana Pacers)
Last season stats: 14.1 PPG, 9.3 PPG, 2.9 APG (74 games)
The Lithuanian big man is coming off from his third and best season in the NBA, with nearly double-double averages and he just signed a four-year, $77M extension with the Pacers after lots of rumors surrounding his name in the past few weeks.
8. Ricky Rubio (Phoenix Suns)
Last season stats: 12.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.1 APG (68 games)
Another World Cup champion on our list and a well-accustomed player in the league. Rubio just moved on from his impactful two-year tenure with Utah Jazz to Phoenix Suns with a new three-year, $51M deal.
7. Clint Capela (Houston Rockets)
Last season stats: 16.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 1.4 APG (67 games)
Another revelation for this past season was that of Clint Capela. He finished off in double-double averages and a place in the western conference semifinals with the Rockets. At 25, he is at the prime time of his career and we are checking in to see how he can change things for Rockets this season.
6. Nikola Vucevic (Orlando Magic)
Last season stats: 20.8 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.8 APG (80 games)
After nearly a decade in the league, Vucevic made it to his first All-Star in 2019 and topped it all off with double-double averages in his stat sheet for the past season. The Montenegrin center set the bar high for himself and redeemed his efforts with a four-year, $100M deal with the team at the end of the season.
5. Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
Last season stats: 21.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 6.0 APG (72 games)
The Slovenian sensation lived up to the expectations in his rookie season and we are just as excited to see what he can do with the Mavericks in his sophomore one! Doncic was named Rookie of the Year while also made it to the 2019 All-Rookie First Team, but the weight of these honors is something the former EuroBasket and EuroLeague champion is more than used to!