Dominique Wilkins, Bob McAdoo, but also Kemba Walker, Josh Childress and even Allen Iverson… The Euroleague or the ancient Champions Cup has attracted some superstars or very good NBA players, and the latest is none other than Evan Fournier. After 12 years in the NBA, including two spent on the Knicks bench, the Frenchman decided to sign with Olympiakos, one of the best teams on the Old Continent.
With rosters limited to 15 players, the NBA is pushing some players, even young ones, to try the European adventure, and last season, there was already a nice breath of fresh air with Jabari Parker, Kendrick Nunn, the Hernangomez brothers or Frank Kaminsky and Serge Ibaka. This season, the same situation with first Sasha Vezenkov. Former Euroleague MVP, the Bulgarian gave up several million dollars to leave the Raptors, and return to Olympiakos.
French crossover
On the French side, Frank Ntilikina had taken the lead by joining Partizan Belgrade, and he arrives in the company of Aleksej Pokusevski. He is therefore imitated by Evan Fournier, but also Théo Maledon who returns to Asvel. As for Melvin Ajinça, drafted by the Mavericks, he will gain experience in Tony Parker's club. Conversely, Guerschon Yabusele leaves Real Madrid for the Sixers, and he could be replaced by Cedi Osman.
Beyond the Euroleague, it should be remembered that Pat Beverley has joined Hapoel Tel Aviv, and that he will play in theEurocup. He will be joined by another former NBAer in Ish Wainright.
Here, team by team, is the list of NBA players who arrived in the Euroleague during the offseason.
Alba Berlin : none
Anadolu Efes : Jordan Nwora (Toronto Raptors)
ASVEL : Admiral Schofield (Orlando Magic), Shaquille Harrison (Memphis Grizzlies), Théo Maledon (Phoenix Suns)
FC Barcelona : Chimezie Metu (Detroit Pistons)
Baskonia : Trent Forrest (Atlanta Hawks)
Bayern Munich : none
Red Star Belgrade : none
Fenerbahce : Luka Samanic (Utah Jazz)
Maccabi Tel Aviv : Wenyen Gabriel (Memphis Grizzlies)
Milan : Armoni Brooks (Brooklyn Nets)
Monaco : Furkan Korkmaz (Philadelphia Sixers)
Olympiakos : Sasha Vezenkov (Toronto Raptors), Evan Fournier (Detroit Pistons)
Panathinaikos : Omer Yurtseven (Utah Jazz)
Paris Basketball : none
Partizan Belgrade : Frank Ntilikina (Charlotte Hornets), Aleksej Pokusevski (Charlotte Hornets)
Real Madrid : Usman Garuba (Golden State Warriors)
Virtues Bologna : none
Zalgiris Kaunas : none
