By Stefanos Tatsios, adapted by Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
From revising the initial list which was compiled when a lot of expected moves were not official yet to ranking the top signings first to tenth, the Top 10 transfers completed by the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague teams ahead of the 2022-23 season are finally here.
The mission was to improve the squads over the summer and the respective management teams delivered. Participating clubs are looking stronger and that is the main theme across the board. Projected rosters make out a deeper field of teams emerging as candidates to clinch a berth in the Playoffs of Europe’s premier club continental competition. An exciting offseason in a prominent position, to say the least.
Indeed it was not over just yet in late July, as Eurohoops revealed the “Top 10 EuroLeague transfers (so far)”. Marius Grigonis and Brandon Davies had already narrowly missed the cut. Making additional room, Gabriel Iffe Lundberg, Elie Okobo, Ioannis Papapetrou, Sergio Rodriguez, and Scottie Wilbekin are all absent from the updated and definitive list. Incoming replacements include Nemanja Bjelica, Kevin Pangos, and Nick Calathes.
Scroll down for the Top 10 EuroLeague summer signings, powered by Eurohoops.
1. Will Clyburn to Anadolu Efes
Forward
32 / USA
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: 14.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals (20 games)
The players were sorted in alphabetical order in our initial Top 10 and Will Clyburn was the first star to come in. The same goes with the players ranking first to tenth.
Anadolu Efes rushed to secure his services, immediately after completing the back-to-back in EuroLeague. The former leader of CSKA and among the best players in Europe landed in Istanbul.
Clyburn, 32, parted ways with CSKA in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During his time in Moscow, he was firmly established as a household name in Europe and a top forward. Joining forces with Shane Larkin and Vasilije Micic, well that’s a game-changer for the team coached by Ergin Ataman. Is a rare three-peat on the cards?
After five years in Moscow, he is expected to shine in a new environment. Contributing on both ends of the court is the task.
2. Tomas Satoransky to FC Barcelona
Guard
30 / Czech Republic
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: –
Separating eight years in the NBA playing for the Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs, Tomas Satoransky is back to FC Barcelona. Entering his 30s, he decided in favor of returning to Europe and the Catalonia giant.
Head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius and Barca’s front office went from Nick Calathes to Satoransky designating the new starting playmaker of the team. He is a totally different player compared to the first stint stretching from 2014 to 2016. More experienced and improved in multiple aspects of the game, he can become the key to winning championships.
An international star with the Czech Republic accustomed to the style of basketball in Europe, he is a perfect fit for the EuroLeague. Making plays for Nikola Mirotic, Jan Vesely, Cory Higgins, Alex Abrines, and other teammates will be a treat for fans.
3. Nemanja Bjelica to Fenerbahce Beko
Forward
34 / Serbia
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: –
Not yet confirmed by Fenerbahce Beko, Nemanja Bjelica was expected to end up in our Top 10. Indeed, here he is.
Reuniting with Fenerbahce after seven years in the NBA, the plan is to pick up where he left off as the MVP of the 2014-15 EuroLeague season. Coming in as an NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, potentially winning the EuroLeague title would mark a brilliant return to Europe.
Prior to joining the Warriors, his NBA career featured the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Miami Heat. Back to Fenerbahce and switching to a leading role, he will be the go-to player for new head coach Dimitris Itoudis, seeking an influential presence in both offense and defense.
4. Kevin Pangos to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
Guard
29 / Canada
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: –
Another new entry compared to July’s Top 10, Kevin Pangos is back in the EuroLeague.
Following a tremendous campaign with Zenit in 2020-21, the NBA welcomed him in and he made his way to 24 games as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He departed in February to join CSKA but the move fell through due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A few months later, he officially joined EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.
Ettore Messina’s new starting point guard will replace Sergio Rodriguez. It’s definitely not an easy task. But breathtaking displays are surely coming our way, to be enjoyed mainly by Olimpia Milano supporters.
5. Nando de Colo to LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne
Guard
35 / France
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: 11.9 points, 3.8 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals (21 games)
Nando de Colo is back in France. Expanding his career abroad was the case in 2009. A couple of EuroLeague championships and 119 games played in the NBA later, Tony Parker pursued him to boost the project at LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.
The French team was quick to claim the experienced guard, after winning the domestic league, Betclic Elite LNB Pro A in late June.
Considered a top-drawer player in EuroLeague, scoring and passing abilities alongside experience and leadership qualities will all be there for ASVEL and play-caller T.J. Parker.
6. Nick Calathes to Fenerbahce Beko
Guard
33 / Greece
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: 7.3 points, 6.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals (29 games)
One team’s decision is another team’s gain. After completing his run at FC Barcelona, Nick Calathes opted to join Fenerbahce Beko and new boss Dimitris Itoudis.
With Tomas Satoransky getting his job at Barca, a new chapter and the opportunity for a fresh start in Istanbul. Multiple teams considered and made offers to the 33-year-old point guard, but Fener was his choice.
Often downplayed, but he is the all-time assist leader in EuroLeague. Playing for Itoudis in the recent EuroBasket must ease his transition into the new environment. Top-notch collaboration to add to the record-breaking assist tally.
7. Jan Vesely to FC Barcelona
Center
32 / Czech Republic
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: 13.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.4 blocks (22 games)
In the opposite direction, Jan Vesely went from Fenerbahce Beko to FC Barcelona. Joining forces with Tomas Satoransky expands from the international level to the Catalonia giant.
A transfer target in the past as well, Barca’s latest bid to bring him in was a success. Consequently, ending the eight-year run at Fener was the decision for the 32-year-old forward/center. With so much success in Istanbul, he became a club legend with numerous accolades along the way, including the 2017 EuroLeague championship.
On the new front, replacing Brandon Davies and back on the receiving end of Satoransky’s assists, Vesely can be fire, especially combined with Nikola Mirotic in an explosive and possibly unmatchable frontline.
8. Lorenzo Brown to Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv
Guard
32 / USA
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: 13.8 points, 6.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals (24 games)
Out of the original Top 10, Lorenzo Brown made the cut this time around. What changed? The 2022 EuroBasket.
Debuting for Spain, he was among the key players in the run all the way to capturing the gold medals in Berlin. Scoring points and creating for his teammates, he forced his way into our Top 10.
Also making his case were his showings for UNICS in the previous edition of EuroLeague, until the exclusion of all Russian teams. Leading the charge on multiple occasions and contributions on any given night already ranked him among the most important moves of the summer.
9. Mario Hezonja to Real Madrid
Forward
27 / Croatia
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: 14.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals (25 games)
Mario Hezonja playing for Real Madrid was a stretch. Rewinding to 2015, he left rival FC Barcelona as a promising prospect ready to shine in the NBA. Seven years later with plenty of stops along the way, he became the latest star to join Los Blancos.
He was on a roll at UNICS. Russian teams removed from the 2021-22 EuroLeague season pushed the pause button, but he bounced back in style with additional solid all-around showings down the stretch of the season in the VTB United League.
The next challenge falls into a team carrying the popular demand of winning championships and starting the post-Pablo Laso era. Fitting in the star-studded squad can be complicated but likely to produce plenty of noise, mainly on opponents struggling to match up the multiple solutions at the disposal of Chus Mateo.
10. Jordan Loyd to AS Monaco
Guard
29 / USA
2021-22 EuroLeague stats: 13.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.0 steals (23 games)
As explosive as a debut EuroLeague season can get, AS Monaco was equally impressive in the offseason. One win short of reaching the Final Four was the initiative to increase the budget and thus further upgrade the roster.
Among the solid additions was Jordan Loyd. Displaying his talents in Europe since 2019 and emerging as an NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, the Chicago-born guard rushed in establishing himself as a star in EuroLeague.
Valencia, Crvena Zvezda, and Zenit have already enjoyed Loyd’s efforts. La Roca Team is next on the list.