By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The NBA free agency is officially fully opening Monday, November 22 and available players are already piling up and standing in line, waiting to see what the market has in store for them.
For a couple of free agents – from young players to seasoned veterans – who won’t get the NBA offer they want, signing in Europe can provide an attractive and possibly lucrative alternative. Here are some NBA free agents that may find themselves on a European team in the following weeks.
Ersan Ilyasova (Turkey)
Position: Forward
The Milwaukee Bucks just waived Ersan Ilyasova, rendering him up for grabs for any NBA team that may want to add a veteran, 3-point shooting boost off the bench. If the 33-year-old Turkish forward doesn’t find what he’s looking for in the NBA then a return to Europe can be a prime option. He presents an appealing case also because of the fact that he’s well acquainted with top level EuroLeague basketball (he has Final Four experience from his stint with Barcelona).
Naz Mitrou-Long (Canada/Greece)
Position: Guard
Naz Mitrou-Long flirted with joining a European team in the past when he was in talks with Olympiacos two years ago (something that was also confirmed by current Zalgiris Kaunas coach Martin Schiller who coached Mitrou-Long on the Salt Lake City Stars). What didn’t happen in 2019 may take place now since Europe can give the 27-year-old guard the stage to showcase his talent on a competitive arena and with a substantial role. Mitrou-Long is also eligible for acquiring a Greek passport, which will make it easier for teams to include him on the roster without sacrificing another non-European player.
Ryan Broekhoff (Australia)
Position: Guard/Forward
In his last EuroLeague run, Ryan Broekhoff was a key part of the Lokomotiv Kuban squad that made the Final Four for the first time in the history of the club. He has certified credentials of being able to contribute even for a contender and it won’t be a surprise if he finds himself back in EuroLeague where his potent “3-and-D” strengths can be an asset for any high-aspiring team.
Brad Wanamaker (USA)
Position: Guard
For a second straight season, former All-EuroLeague guard Brad Wanamaker hits the NBA free agency as an unrestricted free agent. While he nearly doubled some of his numbers in comparison with 2018-2019, it remains to be seen if an NBA team will sign him for his third season in the league. What is far more certain is that if he tests the waters in Europe, he shall find plenty of open doors willing to offer him a more than solid deal and appoint him as a leader.
Jordan McRae (USA)
Position: Guard/Forward
Jordan McRae’s previous stint in EuroLeague as a player of Baskonia for some months in 2017-2018 was hindered by injuries that didn’t allow him to fully show what he can do . Three years later, the American swingman may seek for a return to Europe for any team that looks for a bucket-getter.
Isaiah Hartenstein (Germany)
Position: Forward/Center
Isaiah Hartenstein struggled to find a steady spot on the Houston Rockets roster and spent most of the last couple of years in the G League with the Rio Grande Vipers. Considering that he’s still quite young at 22 years of age, signing in Europe and getting a sufficient amount of playing time could help him increase his stock so that he’ll re-introduce himself to the NBA market in the future as a completely different player.
Raul Neto (Brazil)
Position: Guard
An Italian passport holder with years of experience in ACB, Neto can shoot for return to Europe and likely Spain if the NBA free agency doesn’t present him with a chance to join another team after the Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Brazilian guard can be an offensive difference-maker thanks to his speed and his capacity to initiate scoring for both himself and his teammates.
Special mention: Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol has been reported to be considering continuing in Europe and some rumors have linked him with Barcelona. Sarunas Jasikevicius said in late September that while there haven’t been any talks with the Spanish star center, he doesn’t rule out a potential addition if a “very clear piece” is available.