By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
It’s never easy, but Eurohoops selects and presents the top 10 signings of the summer for the 18 teams gearing up for the 2021-22 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Various sides are still looking to strengthen their squads as CSKA Moscow emerges as a potential favorite to land Kevin Pangos if he doesn’t get an NBA deal. Our list features only those players having completed a move.
There are also the cases of Shabazz Napier joining Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Emmanuel Mudiay picked up by Zalgiris after both former NBA point guards being sidelined through the 2020-21 season with no contract. They can be considered likely to make a large splash in the EuroLeague and of course, they are marquee names. On the other hand, it’s very difficult to rate them in a Top10, considering the fact that they are coming off a long pause of action.
Here we go.
1. Sertac Sanli to FC Barcelona
EuroLeague stats: 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds per contest over 67 games in four seasons
2020-21: 7.8 points, 2.2 rebounds per game with Anadolu Efes
The Turkish center ranks first after moving from EuroLeague champion Anadolu Efes to runner-up FC Barcelona. Blockbuster transfer, whatever the criteria.
Still extremely early in the preseason, but Sertac Sanli is projected to play behind Brandon Davies. Both are great options for head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius.
The newcomer had been extremely productive through the last two seasons and hopes to keep it up in Barcelona.
2. Nicolo Melli to AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano
EuroLeague stats: 7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists per contest over 207 games in nine seasons
2020-21 (NBA): 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds per game between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans
He’s back. Nicolo Melli returns to AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano. His initial stint lasted five years. He went on with Brose Bamberg and Fenerbahce before jumping to the NBA.
Unfriendly circumstances prevented the Italian power forward from fully displaying his talents at the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks. After a couple of NBA seasons, he is up for his tenth in EuroLeague.
Certainly, the most important addition to Ettore Messina’s squad packing additional depth compared to the team making it all the way to the Final Four last year.
3. Pierria Henry to Fenerbahce Beko
EuroLeague stats: 9.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals per contest over 59 games in two seasons
2020-21: 10.5 points, 7.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 steals per game with Baskonia
The case of Pierria Henry from tipping off his pro career in Georgia to a big EuroLeague move in a span of six years is a great story in itself. Hard work keeps paying off. Fenerbahce Beko welcomed him on a 1+1 contract in June.
The Turkish club looking to bounce right back in the Final Four will count on the former Charlotte standout to once again surface his fighting style heavily displayed in his first couple of EuroLeague campaigns at Baskonia. His 16 points per match over the last four fixtures of the 2020-21 season with his side pushing for a playoffs berth demonstrates his scoring skills in must-win situations.
4. Alexey Shved to CSKA Moscow
EuroLeague stats: 16.8 points, 4.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals per contest over 163 games in eleven seasons
2020-21: 19.8 points, 7.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals per game with Khimki Moscow Region
Hold it right there. Alexey Shved back to CSKA Moscow after his NBA run and five seasons at Khimki Moscow Region ranks fourth? It goes to show the strong moves completed during the offseason.
The explosive scorer, EuroLeague champion in 2008, and Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy recipient in 2018 and 2021 is much more experienced compared to his first stint at CSKA. His firepower in a contender can create major issues for opponents on any given night.
5. Achille Polonara to Fenerbahce Beko
EuroLeague stats: 8.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals per contest over 60 games in two seasons
2020-21: 12.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals per game with Baskonia
A very strong offseason for Fenerbahce Beko with another player coming in from Baskonia, Achille Polonara. The Italian forward is expected to be a key part of the squad guided by Sasha Djordjevic.
Coming off a breakout season, upping his scoring average from 3.1 to 12.2 points per contest with the Basques, his momentum is a great sign for the Turkish powerhouse. Remaining a teammate of projected primary ball-handler Henry is an added bonus.
6. Wade Baldwin IV to Baskonia
EuroLeague stats: 11.5 points, 3.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals per contest over 63 games in two seasons
2020-21: 15.3 points, 4.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals per game with FC Bayern Munich
A tough debut EuroLeague season at Olympiacos to several great performances at FC Bayern Munich through 2020-21 led the former Vanderbilt standout to Baskonia.
Since the first three seasons of his pro career with limited playing time in the NBA, Wade Baldwin IV has proved himself as an established scorer, especially with Bayern helping the German side reach the EuroLeague Playoffs for the first time in team history. Another fresh start coming up.