By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
The preparation of European clubs is in full swing, most rosters are now complete and the countdown for their official game commitments has begun.
However, there is a category of players who still haven’t managed to reach an agreement with a team. They are players who have proven that they can hold their own at the top level and have considerable experience on European courts.
Eurohoops presents the biggest free agents on the market…
Erick Green
The fact that Erick Green has not reached a deal with a EuroLeague team or some other club in Europe after a very good season with Valencia is bemusing.
The American is an excellent scorer who averaged 14.4 points and 41.7% in three-point shooting last season, while he counts a total of 74 games in the EuroLeague with Siena, Olympiacos and Valencia.
Coaches know that Green can undertake a leading role, as he did in Spain, or be a complementary part of the rotation, like he was with the Reds. In any case, he’s a player who offers great solutions, can threaten from any range and has the ability to finish games.
K. C. Rivers
One of the biggest names on the free agent market! After a full two-year stint in Panathinaikos, K. C. Rivers is looking for the next stop in his career and the coach that will show confidence in his poisonous shot and his excellent character.
The American is coming off a good season with 8.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 31 games and despite the fact that a shoulder injury didn’t allow him to help at crucial points, there were games where he showed he could be a deciding factor.
Rivers’ resume is comprehensive and, among other things, includes 145 games in the EuroLeague, appearances in the playoffs with Real Madrid and Panathinaikos, but also a trophy win with the Whites (2015).
James Augustine
Another case of a player with a long career in the EuroLeague and, thus, extensive experience. After a very good season in Malaga with 9.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 66.7% in two-point shooting, James Augustine is roaming as a free agent and is carefully examining all options.
The American’s very good finishes breathe life into the offense and his big frame, combined with his technique, make any team’s front line better. Besides, let’s not forget that we’re dealing with a player who has played in the colors of Valencia, Khimki, CSKA Moscow and Malaga with success.
At 34 years of age, Augustine remains a great unit, a great teammate and a character that will help the younger players on the roster in the locker room.
Sonny Weems
There is no need for any special recommendations when it comes to the quality of Sonny Weems. It’s telling that the American has played in the EuroLeague for 6 seasons with 4 different teams and, in every one of them, maintained double-digit averages.
His athletic elements, combined with his rare offensive talent, automatically make Weems a top-shelf addition that can make the difference in any team. The 32-year-old guard/forward has appeared in three Final Fours without managing to celebrate the title, while last season he played in China (Zhejiang) and Europe (Efes).
The fact that the name of Sonny Weems, who counts 13.2 points in a total of 123 games, is on this list in the beginning of September is baffling.
Rakim Sanders
Barcelona made several additions to and subtractions from their roster this summer and, aside from the impressive signings, there are several players who won’t be living in Barcelona in the new season.
One of those players is Rakim Sanders, who competed in just 15 games last season (8.9 points – 3.1 rebounds) and didn’t play according to his real abilities. The American has a very strong and athletic body, he can finish plays from a distance or by driving to the basket and take advantage of his combination of power and speed against rival forwards.
The fact that Rakim Sanders’ name is still on the Free Agents list about a month before the season officially gets under way is confounding. He belongs in the EuroLeague and, at this point, what remains to be seen is which team will manage to make him theirs.