The 2024-25 season of the NBA has already started with the final templates of the 30 franchises already prepared. The latest discards, made before opening night, added to the free agents who were still on the market, have left highly talented players without a team.
Although several of them may find a place in the league, a new market has opened: Europe. With the season further advanced, teams that need to cover their needs look to the NBA’s discards. We review, in alphabetical order, the main names that could cross the pond and even play in the Euroleague.
14 NBA free agents who could play in Europe this season:
Onulrap Bitim
Age: 25
Position: Eaves
Statistics 2023-24: 3.5 points (27.3% on triples), 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists in 23 games with the Bulls
NBA career: A season with the Chicago Bulls
He could be a luxury reinforcement for any European team, especially for the two Turks in the Euroleague. His versatility, physicality and scoring ability make him a player with enormous potential.
James Bouknight
Age: 24
Position: listen
Statistics 2023-24: 3.6 points (43.4% on three-pointers), 0.6 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 14 games with the Hornets
NBA career: 79 games in 3 seasons with the Charlotte Hornets
The explosive American shooting guard, number 11 in the 2021 Draft, could provide extra talent and energy. His ability to penetrate the paint, finish acrobatic plays and his outside shot, along with his youth, make him an interesting player.
Oshae Brissett
Age: 26
Position: Power forward / Small forward
Statistics 2023-24: 3.7 points (27.3% in triples), 2.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 55 games for the Celtics
NBA career: 227 games in 5 seasons between the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors
Oshae Brissett’s versatility, his ability to play multiple positions and his energy on the court make him a very complete player. In addition, his ability to rebound and his three-point shot would allow him to adapt to different game systems and contribute on both sides of the court.
Markelle Fultz
Age: 26
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 7.8 points (22.2% in triples), 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 43 games for the Magic
NBA career: 234 games in 7 seasons between Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers
Despite the challenges he has faced in his career in the form of injury, Fultz continues to show flashes of his ability and potential. His ability to penetrate the paint, his vision of the game and his youth make this number 1 in the Draft an interesting player.
Devonte’ Graham
Age: 29
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 5.0 points (30.1% on triples), 1.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Spurs
NBA career: 336 games in 7 seasons between the San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets
Devonte Graham can stand out in Europe for his three-point shooting ability, his speed and his ability to create his own shots. In addition, he is one of the players on the list with the most experience in the NBA.
Killian Hayes
Age: 23
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 6.9 points (29.7% in triples), 2.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 42 games for the Pistons
NBA career: 210 games in 4 seasons with the Detroit Pistons
Killian Hayes, the French point guard, came to the NBA as one of the great European talents, but he has never shown his potential. If he decided to return to Europe, his vision, passing ability and ability to penetrate the paint could make him the playmaker expected of him.
Frank Kaminsky
Age: 31
Position: Pivot
Statistics 2023-24: 8.9 points (40.6% in three-pointers), 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 30 Euroleague games with Partizan
NBA career: 413 games in 9 seasons between Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets
After trying his luck last season in the Euroleague, Frank Kaminsky sought to return to the NBA without success. The second stage in the Suns could not happen and the option of playing one more year in Europe seems a possible option in the career of the American interior.
Kevin Knox
Age: 25
Position: Power forward / Small forward
Statistics 2023-24: 7.2 points (33.0% on three-pointers), 2.4 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 31 games with the Pistons
NBA career: 306 games in 8 seasons between the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers
His height, wingspan and youth make Kevin Knox an interesting player looking for a stable environment to develop his talent. His best season in the NBA was his rookie year and, with great potential, Europe could be a good destination.
Nassir Little
Age: 24
Position: Eaves
Statistics 2023-24: 3.4 points (30.0% on three-pointers), 1.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 45 games with the Suns
NBA career: 237 games in 5 seasons between Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns
If a Euroleague team is looking for a profile with a greater defensive presence, Nassir Little could be a great option. His explosiveness and athleticism, combined with his ability to defend multiple positions, makes him a very valuable two-way player.
Elfrid Payton
Age: 30
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.2 assists in 26 G League games with Mad Ants
NBA career: 500 games in 9 seasons between Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks
Elfrid Payton has not played in the NBA since 2022 and this preseason he had looked for a place in the New Orleans Pelicans, but he has not made the final cut. He has not played basketball in Europe, but he has played outside the United States, so his adaptation to an organizing base role could be easier.
Landry Shamet
Age: 27
Position: listen
Statistics 2023-24: 7.1 points (33.8% on three-pointers), 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 46 games with the Wizards
NBA career: 348 games in six seasons between Sixers, Clippers, Nets, Suns and Wizards
Landry Shamet could be an interesting option for a European team looking for a pure shooter. However, his game is mainly limited to his outside shot and, along with his physicality, could raise some doubts in Euroleague teams.
Dennis Smith Jr.
Age: 26
Position: Base
Statistics 2023-24: 6.6 points (29.4% on three-pointers), 2.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 56 games with the Nets
NBA career: 326 games in seven seasons between Mavericks, Knicks, Pistons, Blazers, Hornets and Nets
Dennis Smith Jr. could be a risky signing, but with a high reward. His explosiveness, penetration capacity and ability to finish near the rim make him a very attractive player. His inconsistency in outside shooting and his decision-making, questionable at times, could raise doubts. If he can improve in these aspects, he could become a great player in Europe.
Lonnie Walker
Age: 25
Position: Escort/Base
Statistics 2023-24: 9.7 points (38.4% on three-pointers), 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 58 games with the Nets
NBA career: 322 games in six seasons between Spurs, Lakers and Nets
Lonnie Walker IV shares many similarities with other athletic guards who have succeeded in Europe. His style of play and good hand, added to a physique that would allow him to defend several positions, could help him become a star in European basketball.
TJ Warren
Age: 31
Position: Small forward / Power forward
Statistics 2023-24: 3.7 points (15.4% on triples), 2.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 11 games with the Wolves
NBA career: 385 games in 9 seasons between Suns, Pacers, Nets and Timberwolves
He was one of the big stars of the NBA bubble in 2020 and has more than demonstrated that he can be a great scorer. However, despite his talent, TJ Warren’s recent injury history could raise some doubts about whether he could continue.
Foto: Getty Images
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