By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Eurohoops scanning the free-agent market shaped the latest Top 10 list.
Approaching August, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague clubs are looking to put the finishing touches on their rosters. Meanwhile, many free agents, based in Europe or elsewhere, seeking potential NBA opportunities can become available later in the offseason. The situation can be considered complicated but also normal and somewhat expected as a regular part of the calendar year.
Nevertheless, the players listed in our Top 10 would all be solid late additions for EuroLeague teams.
Here we go…
1. Tornike Sengelia
EuroLeague experience: 9 seasons (199 games)
2021-22 stats: 12.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.5 apg (CSKA)
Apparently looking for a second opportunity in the NBA, Tornike Shengelia is our top-ranked free agent still in the market. Probably deserving more than the 2018 All-EuroLeague First Team nod on the list of individual distinctions in EuroLeague, he definitely is a game-changer. Any team picking him up late in the offseason would shift championship odds in its favor and also produce a milestone with Shengelia’s 200th appearance.
Shengelia, 30, wrapped up the 2021-22 season at Virtus Segafredo Bologna following the departure from CSKA. Earlier on, he emerged as the captain at Laboral Kutxa/Kirolbet Baskonia. Back in 2011-12, he introduced himself as a 20-year-old forward of Belgacom Spirou Charleroi, before heading to the NBA.
2. Dwayne Bacon
EuroLeague experience: 1 season (29 games)
2021-22 stats: 14.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.0 spg (AS Monaco)
Moving on to Lakeland-born Dwayne Bacon. Breaking out to a spectacular debut in EuroLeague, he was among the key factors as AS Monaco reached the Playoffs in its respective debut.
Bacon, 26, seems to have lost ground in the market. Teams are hesitant to produce an offer due to circulating rumors about lacking focus slipping outside the EuroLeague. His shooting abilities and crazy skills are more than enough to set him up as a star for any team.
3. Pierria Henry
EuroLeague experience: 3 seasons (87 games)
2021-22 stats: 7.9 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.8 spg (Fenerbahce Beko)
Starting with an asterisk is important. Fenerbahce Beko owns his rights in Europe.
Pierria Henry’s career is a book waiting to be written. From turning pro in Georgia to building his way up to becoming a solid EuroLeague player and from there landing in the third place of our list. Omitting the last part as our Top 10 does not win games, he is an established defensive specialist capable of carrying his side in the offense as well.
Henry, 29, is currently looking into his NBA options. If that does not materialize, Fener or another interested team would happily bring him on board.
4. Chris Singleton
EuroLeague experience: 7 seasons (238 games)
2021-22 stats: 3.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg (Anadolu Efes)
After three years at Anadolu Efes and a couple of EuroLeague championships, Chris Singleton is studying for the next challenge. Over the offseason, rumors have linked him to multiple teams but he remains on the list of free agents.
Singleton, 32, has displayed his talents at Lokomotiv Kuban, Panathinaikos Superfoods, and FC Barcelona, besides Efes. The Florida State product has established himself as a valuable big man. Combined with the experience of seven EuroLeague seasons, a great catch.
5. Thomas Heurtel
EuroLeague experience: 11 seasons (253 games)
2021-22 stats: 9 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.4 rpg (Real Madrid)
The most experienced player on our list in terms of EuroLeague seasons. On the verge of a potential 12th campaign, Thomas Heurtel is slowly entering the latter stages of his career and would certainly add with his presence on the squad of a EuroLeague team.
Following the abrupt ending to his 2021-22 campaign at Real Madrid, the French point guard is determined to bounce back. It remains to be seen who will eventually remove him from the free-agent list with reports linking him with Zenit St. Petersburg but nothing solid yet.
6. Leo Westermann
EuroLeague experience: 10 seasons (176 games)
2021-22 stats: 4.8 ppg, 2.5 apg, 1.5 rpg (AS Monaco)
Another French point guard coming right up in the form of Leo Westermann. A veteran of ten seasons coming off a stint at AS Monaco. Partizan MT:S/NIS, Limoges CSP, Zalgiris, CSKA, Fenerbahce Beko, and FC Barcelona predate La Roca Team in his EuroLeague career.
UPDATE: Westermann, 30, signed a one-year contract with Monbus Obradoiro.
7. Niels Giffey
EuroLeague experience: 4 seasons (104 games)
2021-22 stats: 5.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg (Zalgiris)
From three seasons at Alba Berlin to a one-year stint at Zalgiris and being held to lower production. Berlin-born Niels Giffey is yet another intriguing case among the remaining free agents. A complete forward apt for EuroLeague battles.
Giffey, 31, looking for the chance to bounce back in style, has extensive know-how in capturing titles. The two-time NCAA champion with Connecticut went on to win multiple domestic titles with the Berlin outfit and also won the King Mindaugas Cup in Kaunas.
8. Okaro White
EuroLeague experience: 1 season (29 games)
2021-22 stats: 8.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg (Panathinaikos OPAP)
Going through a rough patch of Panathinaikos OPAP, Okaro White emerged as the most important free agent coming out of the Greens. Probably deserving of a better introduction to EuroLeague, he would be a strong late addition and a candidate for an enhanced sophomore campaign.
White, 29, went from Florida State to Europe and to the NBA, before resurfacing across the Atlantic Ocean in 2020. Where the next step will send him is the question. For now, he is on the shortlist of various EuroLeague teams.
9. Danilo Barthel
EuroLeague experience: 4 seasons (94 games)
2021-22 stats: 4.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg (Fenerbahce Beko)
Coming off an injury-plagued campaign can be tricky. German big man Danilo Barthel aiming to get back on track has been considering his options over the summer.
Barthel, 30, emerged as a late bloomer evenly splitting his EuroLeague career between FC Bayern Munich and Fenerbahce Beko the last four seasons.