By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
The number of players who have chosen to leave European competitions in recent years to try their luck at the NBA is constantly rising.
Eurohoops presents 8 cases of players in the world’s top league, for whom Europe looks like a possible next step in their career.
Contract expiration: Summer 2019
Annual earnings: 838,464 thousand dollars
After three years of presence in Euroleague and constant improvement, Brad Wanamaker took the decision to move to the other end of the Atlantic to make his dream come true.
But his presence so far is not what he hoped. The American Guard has played in just five games with an average of 3.2 points and 6.2 minutes of play, while Brad Stevens does not seem to count his player as a fixed piece of the rotation.
Milos Teodosic – Los Angeles Clippers
Contract expiration: Summer 2019
Annual earnings: $ 6.3 million
Milos Teodosic’s case is enormous since a few days ago, the player himself clarified that his return to Europe is near. Indeed, the Serb left open the possibility of his return will occur even during the season.
On the other hand, Doc Rivers responded to a Eurohoops question about Milos’ future: “I doubt it will happen. […] He may not have the minutes of participation he wants or playing as he would, but we want him here. We will find the way. “
Ekpe Udoh – Utah Jazz
Contract expiration: Summer 2019
Annual earnings: $ 3.36 million
Udoh has redeemed his fictitious appearance with Fenerbahce through a contract in one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
However, the American has played in 14 games this season with an average of 1 point and less than 5 minutes on the floor. At the same time, Utah has not started the season well, which means that there is no room for experimentation, and the coach needs – more than ever – his starting five bigs to cover up for the lost ground.
Dragan Bender – Phoenix Suns
Contract expiration: Summer 2019
Annual earnings: $ 4.6 million
If not this year, when? If not to Suns, where? Dragan Bender strives in the weakest team in the West and has played in 6 out of 19 games in the current season with an average of 4.3 minutes. The 22-year-old could have a precious chance in Europe if he decides to take the leap of faith.
Ryan Broekhoff – Dallas Mavericks
Contract expiration: Summer 2020
Annual earnings: 838 thousand dollars (2018-2019), 1.4 M.(2019-2020)
Ryan Broekhoff’s decision to sign a contract in the NBA was one of those that made a great impression in summer of 2018. After an excellent Eurocup season with Lokomotiv Kuban, all signs pointed that Loko would be a “stepping stone” for him to sign with a Euroleague team.
But he decided to make the NBA jump. The money for the 28-year-old player is not much and will not notably increase in the near future, while he is playing for a short time in the Mavericks (3.8 minutes) and the situation is not expected to change.
Khem Birch – Orlando Magic
Contract expiration: Summer 2019
Annual earnings: $ 1.37 million
Birch made some very good appearances at the end of the 2017-2018 season when Magic was out of the playoffs zone and could give bench players a chance.
However, the data that has been set up so far does not allow the Canadian center to play as much as he could, with Vucevic’s name on the frontline.