By Evaggelos Papadimitriou/ info@eurohoops.net
Last summer saw many players opting to move from the NBA to EuroLeague, but another set of players went the opposite direction. No discussion on Europe’s premier club competition being strengthened from the arrivals.
With 2019 approaching its expiration date, Eurohoops looks on the adjustments made so far by six former EuroLeague stars choosing to further their careers in the NBA.
Marko Guduric
EuroLeague team: Fenerbahce Beko
NBA team: Memphis Grizzlies
Despite not being the biggest star of Fenerbahce Beko, Marko Guduric was a key part of Zeljko Obradovic’s squad the past seasons. Last year was massive in the run up to the Final Four.
Obradovic picked up a promising guard and turned him into a valuable player. Ultimately secured many wins with the 24-year-old Serbian swingman. After improving in Turkey, Guduric landed a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
His new team has not enjoyed the best of starts, but he evolved into a regular for the Tennessee organization playing about 15 minutes per appearance. Via 37.3% from the field and 28.1% beyond the arc, Guduric is averaging 4.9 points per contest, also has 2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per match.
Coming off 9.4 points with 62.9% from two-point range and 47.7% from three-point range, 2.2 assists and 1.9 rebounds per EuroLeague match, he knew beforehand that his role would not be equally important. However, has got on the right track.
Nicolo Melli
EuroLeague team: Fenerbahce Beko
NBA team: New Orleans Pelicans
Another loss for Fenerbahce Beko was Nicolo Melli. The 28-year-old big made his way out of the Turkish club to join the New Orleans Pelicans.
Similar to his former teammate, he left his mark on Fener. Early-season struggles of their previous club may indeed be connected with them leaving.
Right from the start of his new adventure, Melli gained a spot in the rotation appearing in 24 contests so far. He has 5.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists to show for his effort.
Three-pointers were his thing in EuroLeague with a career average of 38.7%. Last year posted 7.3 points with 47.5% from two-point range and 38.5% from three-point range, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.