By Giorgos Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
The number of players who choose to leave Europe to continue their career in the NBA or the Chinese league is growing all the time, leaving considerable gaps in the rosters of most teams.
This particular development is forcing coaches and managements to search for new replacements who are either coming from the other side of the Atlantic or from the Eurocup, and as a result they are not as well known to the general public.
Eurohoops presents the cases of 5 players who have already signed a contract with EuroLeague clubs and are expected to play for the first time in the top European competition.
Jordan Theodore (EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)
Jordan Theodore was a sight for sore eyes in the colors of Banvit throughout the season last year and cashed in his amazing performances with a transfer to Armani Milan.
In the Turkish club he proved that he has the skills to lead, winning the Cup abroad and reaching the final of the Champions League, while his impressive numbers (16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists) reveal that we are dealing with a player who is just as good in execution as he is in creation.
At 27 years of age, Theodore is strong, fast, can drive to the basket, has a reliable shot and very good ball handling skills, but above all, he’s ready to step up to the plate. It’s going to be very interesting to see the amount of time it will take him to gel with his teammates but also the way he will respond to the new requirements.
Janis Timma (Baskonia)
After many years of working and constantly improving, Janis Timma is ready to take the big step from Zenit and the Eurocup to Baskonia and the EuroLeague.
The Latvian forward was selected with the No.60 pick in the 2013 draft (Grizzlies), while last season he averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, executing with the excellent 44.3% from outside the three-point line.
His physical qualities, his speed, his ability to score in combination with his flair for rebounding, as well as the way he moves on the court, are elements that can secure him enough playing time in his rookie season.
At this point, it’s worth mentioning that, in case Baskonia keep Adam Hanga on their roster, then an amazing duo will be formed in the 3 position, with the competition being very good for Timma.