It’s no secret that many big names from top European clubs are being discussed, along with potential reinforcements from the world’s most prestigious basketball league — the NBA. However, what often flashes even greater intrigue are the individuals , each seeking the spotlight of the biggest stage — the EuroLeague.

We’re witnessing a trend where the basketball market in Europe is gradually closing off. An additional blow to all teams , which offer massive sums to young and talented players. That is something European clubs can’t match financially.

Moreover, no EuroLeague team can afford the luxury of developing young players in an environment where immediate results are demanded. That’s why scouting departments will have to roll up their sleeves and identify names that  but could make an immediate impact once they put on the team’s jersey that signs them.

Basketball Sphere RADAR presents a few such names. These are not the most high-profile names. They are financially more accessible and undoubtedly capable of making a difference and  in their careers if they find themselves in the right environment with a suitable role.

There’s been an interesting shift in the point guard role in recent years. Older generations were used to watching so-called “floor generals,” whose primary responsibility was to set up their teammates. But as the careers of  have come to an end. Also, those of Nick Calathes, Milos Teodosic, and Facundo Campazzo are slowly winding down.

Simply, there’s been a noticeable shortage of players who can replace them in terms of playing style. More and more point guards today are becoming “score-first” options, changing the game’s rhythm through individual actions. The most recent example is undoubtedly T.J. Shorts, whose performances this season with Paris have taken Europe by storm.

Let’s look at some players who could become the next big thing in the EuroLeague. Not all of them are , but they certainly have the quality to play at a higher level.

Although he caught our eye last season as the driving force behind Andorra, this unpredictable Dominican  in a Valencia jersey. At just 22 years old, and already with a respectable dose of senior basketball experience. Montero is a true gem waiting to explode on the EuroLeague stage.

What can you say about a player who has won the “Best Young Player of the Liga Endesa” award two years in a row? In short, Montero has everything a point guard needs: . Simply put, once he puts the ball on the floor, he’s almost impossible to stop because he is unpredictable. When you add his solid court vision and excellent passing instincts, it’s easy to see why we believe he’s ready for top-tier basketball.

This season in the Liga Endesa, he averaged 15.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game for Valencia. In the EuroCup, he posted 13.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. We can agree , especially for such a young player.

Lastly, Montero signed a three-year contract with Valencia last year, meaning any potential move would require a serious buyout. However, considering the rumors that a few Spanish teams, including Valencia, might move to the FIBA Champions League, one has to wonder if Montero and Valencia still share the same ambitions. We genuinely believe there isn’t a single EuroLeague team that wouldn’t benefit from signing him. After all, who wouldn’t want a younger, stronger version of Dennis Schröder?

Simpson is a player who only arrived in Europe this season. Before that, he unsuccessfully tried to find his place under the NBA spotlight. He was bouncing until he ultimately decided to take a new direction in his career. His first European stop was Romania’s U-BT Cluj Napoca, where he immediately established himself as one of the team’s key players. Given what this player brings to the table, we believe he’s ready for an opportunity at a higher level.

What’s particularly interesting about Simpson is that he fits the mold of a “floor general.” On top of that, he’s a very flashy and entertaining player. At Michigan, he developed and became known , which has become his signature move. That’s also how he earned the nickname “Captain Hook.” Another curious detail: despite being relatively short (183 cm), he loves attacking the basket. His explosive first step plays a huge role in helping him get by defenders.

His numbers this season in the EuroCup were impressive. He averaged 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and a staggering 8.0 assists per game. It’s also worth noting that  (84.3% this season).

In conclusion, Zavier is definitely a player to keep an eye on. He’s in his prime playing years and exudes confidence on the court. Having signed just a one-year deal with Cluj Napoca last summer, he could also be a financially smart signing. With his exceptional court vision and jaw-dropping assists, he could help many EuroLeague teams next season. It’s hard to compare him directly to others, but let’s say he’s a mix of Carlik Jones’ unpredictable first step and Stefan Jovic’s superb playmaking.

Although some may disagree with this suggestion, we firmly believe the current ABA League MVP deserves a shot on the EuroLeague stage. McKinley is  (both with Podgorica’s Buducnost), and he has grown into a very effective floor general. Given that he extended his contract last season (via option), it seems the time has come for him to cash in on his skills.

While court vision and assists were Wright’s main assets during his college and G League days, he has developed into a true all-around playmaker in Europe. Add to that his strong defensive presence and , and it becomes clear why Buducnost’s current head coach, Andrej Zakelj, values him so highly.

This season in the ABA League, he averaged 12.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He also had 10.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per contest in the EuroCup, and  and accuracy from the free-throw line (84.8%).

When assembling their rosters, McKinley likely won’t be a top priority for EuroLeague teams. Still, we see him as a highly valuable rotational piece, particularly as a secondary ball-handler. He has a solid frame and long arms. When you combine that with , you get a very compelling package. We are convinced that both Belgrade-based EuroLeague teams could find a way to seamlessly integrate this player into their squads for the upcoming season.

Over the years, it has become clear that EuroLeague teams often miss the mark regarding shooting guards. The lack of high-level talent through youth systems has pushed teams to look towards the US market. That strategy frequently turns out to be an expensive gamble. While some players (remember how Carsen Edwards played at Fenerbahce). More often, these players end up back in the G League or chase opportunities in Asia. Rarely does someone like Kendrick Nunn come along as a player who needed just a few months to acclimate to Europe and become a dominant force fully.

That’s why we’ve tried to identify several players already earning a living in Europe. Of course, this is just our opinion. If you have your suggestions, in the comments.

If anyone still doubts Gordie Herbert’s coaching expertise and ability to develop players, they should probably stop following basketball. David Krämer is a player who reached the spotlight through an unconventional path. Also, the fact that  speaks volumes about his mentality. Fans of Partizan have already seen firsthand what kind of players Herbert can produce. Isaac Bonga dazzled this season with his performances, ultimately earning the ABA League Defensive Player of the Year title.

As mentioned, David took the long road to build his career. After a disappointing 2020/21 season with Bayern Munich, he moved to Braunschweig, where he spent two years proving he was becoming an intriguing player. That was followed by a move to Spain’s Liga Endesa, first with Coviran Granada, and then this season with Tenerife, where he truly demonstrated his value. As a reward, he was named to the . Latest rumors suggest that Real Madrid may have already secured him. Since nothing has been officially confirmed, we’re including him on this list.

Krämer averaged 12.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this season in the Liga Endesa. In the FIBA Champions League, he posted 12.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per contest. While these numbers , his presence and impact on the court certainly are.

At first glance, Kramer might not come off as flashy. However, he’s a proper “Swiss Army knife” kind of player: long arms, strong fundamentals, and a German work ethic. Represented by the BeoBasket agency, his buyout is rumored , making him a fantastic value signing. Whoever lands him will gain a reliable shooter who respects the system and brings discipline to any roster.

This is one of our top picks for the shooting guard position. At 29 years old and with several years of European experience, we believe it’s finally time for Palmer to test himself at the highest level. While officially listed as a shooting guard, Palmer’s skill set allows him to competently fill in at small forward. After two solid seasons in  he went undrafted but spent the next two years with the LA Clippers’ G League affiliate. Realizing his NBA chances were limited, he moved to Europe, specifically Poland, joining Stal Ostrow.

What stands out about this player is that he has never stayed with one team for more than a season. After Poland, he played in France for Bourg. For the last two seasons, he’s been in Turkey, first with Turk Telekom and currently with Galatasaray. Interestingly, he has played in  and the EuroCup (twice) over the past four seasons, consistently putting up powerful numbers.

This season, he averaged 17.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His shooting percentages were excellent, , where he has struggled with a surprisingly poor 56.5% over the past two seasons.

So, what does Palmer bring to the table? Any team willing to take a chance on him would get a high-level scorer with a killer instinct, a short shooting memory, and solid athleticism. The steady improvement he  gives us confidence in his work ethic. He would be a great fit for teams looking for a versatile offensive threat at the two-guard spot. Additionally, since he signed a one-year deal with Galatasaray last summer, there is no buyout clause, making him easily available.

Very few players across the Atlantic can boast about staying with one team for over two seasons. Tyson Carter is one of those rare exceptions. A player who came to Europe immediately after college, made his way from Greece to Russia, and eventually landed in Spain’s Liga Endesa—where he has, without exaggeration, impressed everyone. Over three consecutive seasons, Carter has consistently performed at a high level and established himself as a key contributor.

What makes this player particularly intriguing is his composure in crunch time. At Unicaja, he’s become the “go-to” guy when the shot clock is winding down. Combine that with his elite athleticism, and you’ve got a lethal combination that few players in Europe can match.

This season in the Liga Endesa, he averaged 12.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His FIBA Champions League numbers are even better: 12.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. What’s more, these stats have remained remarkably consistent over the last three seasons.

With his elite athleticism, calm demeanor, and killer instinct, Carter can be compared to PJ Dozier. Still, in truth, Tyson is a unique player who shouldn’t be measured against anyone else. We believe at least half of the EuroLeague teams could benefit from his presence. And as the cherry on top: Tyson’s contract with Unicaja Malaga expires in the summer of 2025, meaning he’ll be available without a buyout. Financially, everything aligns perfectly.

In recent years, the small forward role has undergone significant transformation—both in terms of player profile and style of play. Still, one thing remains certain: small forwards are considered the most versatile players on any team. They’re expected to fill a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Just look at some of the masters currently playing the position in the EuroLeague: Shavon Shields, Elijah Bryant, and Nigel Hayes-Davis, who may well be the most complete players in the entire league.

This made our task of identifying strong candidates for this position particularly difficult. Unfortunately, at this moment, it’s hard to find many “under-the-radar” players who we believe can truly make a difference at the EuroLeague level. Still, here are a few recommendations that we personally like.

Just like we started the PG segment with Jean Montero, we’re kicking off this one with the only player from the Dominican Republic. We’re talking about Chris Duarte, the former 13th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, selected by the Indiana Pacers. Some might argue he’s more of a shooting guard, but in our opinion, he’s somewhat stuck between positions. With his physical tools, he leans much more toward the small forward spot in Europe (just look at Fournier or Hayes-Davis).

Although he entered the NBA as an older rookie, scouts had a positive outlook on him. However, injuries and his inability to find his role with the Pacers led to him being traded to the Chicago Bulls, who eventually waived him. He plays in Puerto Rico for Vaqueros de Bayamon, where he’s teammates with JaVale McGee and Danilo Gallinari.

While the quality of that league is debatable, Chris is putting up impressive numbers: 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. On top of that, his shooting percentages are pretty solid, especially considering the high volume of shots he takes.

Although we’re not sure whether Duarte intends to come to the EuroLeague, we believe he would be an elite signing for most teams in the competition. In addition to his offensive skill set, he’s also a solid defender who could match up physically with most opponents. The only obvious downside is that he won’t come cheap.

Here’s a particularly intriguing player, especially for GMs who like to take risks. Then again, by the time you finish reading this segment, you might realize that Zac is perhaps the safest bet on this entire list. We’re talking about an American player whose path has been anything but conventional. After his college career, he made his way through Slovakia, Georgia, and now Germany, where he’s been playing for three seasons.

The fact that he’s the captain of his team already speaks volumes about his character. On top of that, he’s a true leader on the court in every sense. We had the chance to talk to some of the staff from his German club, and what we learned is that Zac is far more than just a player to them—he’s the team’s heart and soul, both on and off the floor.

As for his stats, Zac averaged 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in the Bundeliga this season, with excellent shooting percentages. His team also competed in the FIBA Champions League, where he put up 17.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

Zac is not flashy and doesn’t look particularly imposing on the court. His appearance is quite unorthodox—think Southern “hillbilly” hairstyle and charming mustache. But make no mistake: he’s one of those incredibly dependable players who would dive headfirst into the stands in a game even if it were -30 outside—because that’s just who he is. We believe very few players like him are on the market, and Seljaas deserves a role on a EuroLeague team.

Arguably the biggest “IF” on this list—but sometimes you have to trust your gut. Jordan Usher is another undrafted player who sought his chances overseas right after college. After a solid rookie season with Besiktas, he moved to Australia the following year. This season marked another return to Europe, with the French side Bourg competing in the EuroCup.

This player brings pure energy on both ends of the floor. He’s hard to compare to anyone else, as he’s incredibly explosive and unpredictable. Special mention also goes to his improved outside shooting, which has seen noticeable progress this year.

This season, he averaged 14.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in the French league, while he added 10.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in EuroCup play.

The EuroLeague might be too big of a stage for Usher, at least for now, but then again, a team might be willing to take a chance on him. He has the potential to bring a lot to the table, and in our opinion, the ideal setting for his style of play would be a team like Paris.

A large number of GMs, as well as players, have struggled with this position in recent years. It seems that there’s a lack of quality players who can make a difference at the Euroleague level. We don’t think so, and we’ve prepared three players for you who could make a significant step forward. In our opinion, each of them is good enough to show what they’re capable of at the highest European level next season.

Of course, this isn’t the end of the list. If you have any suggestions, feel free to write to us. Just don’t forget that we’ve tried to find talents who play outside the NBA, G League, and China. These are mostly players who earn their living on the European continent.

The second player on our list who plays for Valencia. Semi has already played at the EuroLeague level and delivered quite solid performances. However, since Valencia decided not to participate in the EuroLeague last season, Semi had to play in the EuroCup. He is a powerful, experienced player who can make a difference wherever he signs.

Although with his dimensions he couldn’t find a place in the NBA, Semi looks impressive on the court. Some older scouting reports describe him as a basketball player in the body of a tight end, and perhaps the best comparison to him is Guerschon Yabusele.

This season in the Liga Endesa, he averaged 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game, with solid percentages. As for the EuroCup competition, he averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. We must praise his reliability at the free-throw line, where he shot over 82%.

This signing would undoubtedly be a jackpot for many EuroLeague teams. Unfortunately, at the end of 2024, Valencia signed this player for two years, so a buyout would be necessary if the Spanish team decides to release him. But Semi is certainly a finished product that can deliver instant results.

Alston is a player who has slowly and patiently built his career in Europe. After staying in college until his senior year, he went undrafted and decided to move. His first destination was Germany, where he played for Rostock Seawolves for two seasons. This season, he successfully plays for Manresa in the Liga Endesa.

What’s interesting about Alston Jr. is that he is a player stuck between positions. At 2.05 meters tall with an enormous wingspan, he is considered an excellent ball handler who is “light on his feet.” With his body, he doesn’t fit the classic “elite fours” at the EuroLeague level, but he could be the fresh addition that’s needed.

This season in the Liga Endesa, he averaged 17.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while his numbers in the EuroCup competition are 17.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. We also commend his high free-throw shooting percentage.

We believe Alston Jr. is ready for the leap to EuroLeague competition. In his third year in Europe, he is putting up great numbers, and his experience playing in both the Liga Endesa and EuroCup adds confidence to this signing. Manresa has a history of excellent scouting, especially when it comes to players at the PF position.

When discussing Manresa’s scouting, we must mention their starting power forward from last year, Devin Robinson, another player with a lanky physique, standing at 2.03 meters tall with a wingspan of 2.15 meters. Personally, we thought that Devin could make the leap to EuroLeague last season, but he decided to play in the EuroCup for Cedevita Olimpija.

Robinson had a brief NBA career but spent most of his time in the G League with teams like Capital City Go-Go, Raptors 905, and Indiana Mad Ants. After a short stint in Puerto Rico, he moved to Germany to play for Ulm, then spent two seasons in the Liga Endesa with Manresa. From there, he moved to Cedevita Olimpija, where he delivered excellent performances this season.

This season, he averaged 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in the ABA League, and 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the EuroCup competition. The only flaw we can find is his somewhat poor three-point shooting, which is below 30%.

Devin brings a lot of energy to the court. He loves playing facing the basket and is active on the boards. It’s no wonder that rumors suggest that Crvena Zvezda is seriously interested in this player and considering bringing him in.

When it comes to the center position, the EuroLeague has been quite diverse in recent years, from traditional “big men” like Walter Tavares and Moustapha Fall, to slightly shorter “dominators” like Mathias Lessort, Joel Bolomboy, and last season, Tyrique Jones. What has become a scarce commodity are the so-called “stretch fives” who can effectively stretch defenses.

We spent a long time considering potential players who could be valuable additions and came up with these three names. We believe each of these players is ready for the big stage and can successfully compete with the veterans.

A player who has been “in the talks” for a EuroLeague move for some time. The latest news (though quickly denied by his agent) was that Kabengele had settled everything with Real Madrid. Of course, since nothing is official, we decided to include this excellent player on our list.

After several years of unsuccessful attempts to find his place in the NBA, Kabengele decided in 2023 to move to Europe. His first destination was Greece, where he joined AEK. His great performances earned him a transfer to the Italian Venezia, who took over his rights during the season, where he currently plays. What’s particularly interesting about him is that he’s the nephew of the legendary Dikembe Mutombo and has roots in the Congo.

This season, Kabengele averaged 15.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in Serie A, while in the EuroCup, he posted 15.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, with solid percentages for a player at his position.

Despite everything, it seems this center is ready for his EuroLeague debut. Although not perfect, he displays many qualities that certain teams in this competition lack. The only potential weaknesses of this player could be in defense, as well as some knee problems that have followed him throughout his career.

Although it has been widely rumored that Hapoel Tel Aviv is the new EuroLeague participant, they were still a EuroCup team this season, so some of their players still need to prove themselves on the big stage. One such player is certainly Marcus Bingham Jr. The former Michigan State player had all the prerequisites to become a defensive specialist in the NBA, but fate had a different plan.

After not being drafted in 2022, Marcus decided to move overseas, specifically to Israel, where he has been playing since then. He switched three teams, or rather, three Hapoels (Haifa, Holon, and Tel Aviv). This season, he was a backup option to Johnathan Motley and, somewhat, even the first choice when the aforementioned player wanted to leave Israel.

Bingham had much better stats in Holon, but since joining Tel Aviv, he has been averaging 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game. What stands out as a downside is that he played a secondary role in the EuroCup, where he averaged just over 9 minutes per game.

What we like about Bingham is that he has fantastic physical attributes, and despite that, he has an incredibly soft touch. During his final season at Michigan State, he had a three-point percentage of over 40%. Additionally, he is highly athletic and very effective in pick-and-roll situations. All in all, a diamond, who is probably unavailable unless a serious buyout is paid.

Austin has the talent and potential to become a serious force at the EuroLeague level. Last year, while playing for Tofas, he showed his enormous potential. This former Auburn Tigers player . He slowly built his career through the lower leagues of Germany, Lithuania, Turkey, and Israel.

What is unique about this player is his enormous wingspan. At 2.10 meters, , making him a true monster in the paint. Unfortunately, Wiley doesn’t have an outside shot, making him a true “rim protector” type of player. He would be perfect for teams focusing on the pick-and-roll, as he dominates in that aspect.

This season, he averaged 13.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in the Israeli league. However,were a bit weaker. He averaged 5.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.1 assists in the seven games Hapoel played.

Although he is not yet ready to be the primary center, Wiley could be a cheap but handy addition to many EuroLeague teams. He has been one of  for the second consecutive season. It’s a logical next step for him to try his hand at the highest level.

In the world of professional sports, there are no guarantees. The most enormous budgets do not necessarily mean that the team with the most money will lift the trophy at the end of the season. There is a certain degree of risk even with well-proven names, including those from the NBA,  don’t need any adaptation and can immediately take control of the team.

Similarly, generational talents like Luka Doncic are even rarer. He conquered everything in Europe early in his career and then sought his fortune in the NBA.

Each of these individuals, in some way, is a risk. However, from a financial perspective, which is undoubtedly an important aspect, . Otherwise, even if they fail to make an impact, when scouts, general managers, and coaches follow the “low risk-high reward” philosophy, the disappointment won’t be too great.