The EuroLeague season is less than a month away, and several teams have already completed their rosters for the 2024–25 season. That does not mean that the EuroLeague sides are not willing to improve their personnel even more if the chance presents itself.
With the latest examples of Evan Fournier and Cedi Osman making their way back to Europe, current NBA free agents might think that they could have a chance for a bigger role in the Euroleague.
Both Osman and Fournier were meant to be leaders in rebuilding projects, but they chose to join Panathinaikos and Olympiacos instead, so they could compete for titles. In any case, the upcoming NBA training camp rejects could be a good opportunity for any European side looking for an extra boost of talent in its roster.
Without further ado, here are three NBA free agents that could thrive if they potentially make the decision to play overseas.
Robin Lopez among veterans with eye-catching potential for the EuroLeague
Robin Lopez has experienced a great career during his 16-year ride in the NBA. However, at 36, the Stanford product struggled to find a role last season despite joining a contending team with title aspiration like the Milwaukee Bucks. The veteran made only 16 appearances after a strong 2022–23 campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Recently, Lopez appeared to hold a positive outlook regarding the prospect of pursuing a career overseas.
“I’d absolutely consider it; I know how passionate the fans are and how high the level of basketball is,” Lopez said recently on potentially playing in Europe this season.
Lopez could undoubtedly be a top-notch EuroLeague talent if he makes the decision to play in Europe. His presence inside hasn’t been reduced due to age, but he remains a capable finisher around the rim.
During the previous seasons, he also added three-point shooting to his arsenal, making his threes on a career-high 50% clip during the 2022–23 season in Cleveland. He’s an almost 30% career-average shooter from deep.
Ryan Arcidiacono may thrive as one of the best two-way point guards in the league
Point guard has been a spot that many EuroLeague teams decided to fill early in the offseason. However, there are still plenty of options for teams that are still searching for extra help in their backcourt. Ryan Arcidiacono has proved during his career that he remains a winning player despite the fact that he did not find a steady role in an NBA team.
Arcidiacono returned to the G League last February after a small stint of 20 games with the New York Knicks. The Villanova product had a very successful collegiate career, winning the NCAA title in 2016. He went undrafted in the same year’s class but remained in the league as a deep-bench player.
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He started his career in Chicago and stayed four years. The veteran split the last two seasons between New York and Portland. His ability to defend, make plays, and lead a team was the main reason he has been always able to earn a spot on an NBA roster. He has more than 250 NBA games under his belt, but he might want to assume a bigger role as he is heading to the last part of his basketball career.
Arcidiacono, 30, could be among the top-tier guards in years to come in the EuroLeague if he decides to move from the NBA.
Bismack Biyombo would be an elite rebounder and rim protector in the EuroLeague
Bismack Biyombo surprisingly remains a free agent after a year when he made a positive contribution in Memphis and OKC. Biyombo, the 7th pick in the 2011 draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, has been established as a valid bench option during the previous seasons.
Last year, he averaged 4.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest while shooting 56.5% from the field. In addition to the Grizzlies, Thunder, and Bobcats, Biyombo has also spent time with the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, and Phoenix Suns. His ability to rebound is undeniable, while his size allows him to be a very effective rim protector.
In the EuroLeague, Biyombo could easily be among the top defensive-minded centers along the likes of Edy Tavares and others. He remained healthy for the majority of his career, but last March Biyombo unexpectedly collapsed to the floor on his team’s sideline during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
He was eventually able to leave the court under his own power and was cleared of any serious medical condition. The veteran center stayed with OKC until the end of the season and made six more appearances in the final games of the regular season.
In any case, if he does not find a role in the NBA this season, a EuroLeague side might snatch the chance to bring him in and bolster its front court.
