Which players have helped their NBA outlook at the 2015 FIBA European Championship?
With a chance to qualify for the Olympics and to be crowned the champions of Europe, many of the top European players from the NBA are competing for their respective countries.
The top five scorers at the tournament through four games are all mainstays in the NBA: Pau Gasol, Danilo Gallinari, Dennis Schroder, Jonas Valanciunas and Omri Casspi. Other NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also in action.
While Eurobasket is a great way for these players to continue to play at a high level in the offseason, leading their countries to top results, it is also a tremendous showcase for players trying to take the next step towards the NBA or onto the roster of the best European clubs.
Which players have done the most through the group stage for NBA teams to take a closer look?
Cedi Osman | SG | Turkey | Rights owned by CLE (32nd pick, 2015 NBA Draft)
At the young age of 20, Osman has been one of the most productive players for the Turkish national team. Averaging 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds (2.3 offensive) per game, Osman is giving Cavs officials more reasons to bring him over sooner rather than later. Likely a target to join the team for the 2016-17 season, Osman’s efficiency and shooting ability have been on display at Eurobasket. Shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 35.7 percent from downtown, Osman is also drawing more than three fouls per game on his opponent.
Osman should see a larger role at Anadolu Efes this season, and a productive year should fit him straight into the Cavs rotation.
Tomas Satoransky | PG | Czech Republic | Rights owned by WAS (32nd pick, 2012 NBA Draft)
Satoransky was drafted three years ago, but the 23-year old is ripe with NBA potential. For the Czech national team, the guard is posting averages of 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. Making the move to FC Barcelona, Satoransky will have to compete for starters minutes, but his level of productivity should get him into the eight-man rotation, at minimum.
The Wizards hold his rights, and would be foolish not to consider bringing him over for the 2016-17 season. A backup for John Wall is desperately needed, and the Czech guard can fill both backcourt positions.
Dario Saric | SF/PF | Croatia | Rights owned by PHI (12th pick, 2014 NBA Draft)
Saric seems like a no-brainer to be in the NBA, but he still deserves mention here. Serving as a point forward for Croatia, Saric is averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. Playing with Osman at Anadolu Efes, Saric is ready for a breakout campaign. Can the 76ers capitalize sooner on their draft choice and bring him over next year? Count on Sam Hinkie doing everything in his power to pair him with Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor in 2015-16.
Alessandro Gentile | SG | Italy | Rights owned by MIN (53rd pick, 2014 NBA Draft)
Gentile is following in the footsteps of fellow countryman Marco Belinelli, who has an essential green light for Italy. Gentile has been the second-most productive player, scoring 15.3 points per game to go with 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists. The 53rd selection in 2014, Gentile plays a style similar to Belinelli, albeit as an improving shooter. Minnesota’s desire to stay young could aid in Gentile making the jump to the NBA, as his experience in tournaments like this can only be seen as a positive.
Other Notes:
– Nemanja Nedovic, a former first round pick of the Golden State Warriors, is averaging an incredibly efficient 10.5 points per game for Serbia. Now playing for Unicaja Malaga, don’t count Nedovic out for a return to the NBA- the guy can play.
– Recent Minnesota Timberwolves addition Nemanja Bjelica, the 35th pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, has dazzled for Serbia, and connected on the game-winning floater against Germany. His crafty play should earn him immediate minutes at small forward in Minnesota.
– Hawks guard Dennis Schroder has been one of the best players in the tournament, averaging 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists. The Hawks will have a decision to make regarding their starting point guard, perhaps as soon as this year is his hot play continues.
– Mario Hezonja, selected fifth overall by the Magic this past June, is one of the youngest players in the tournament. He is scoring 7.5 points per game in 19 minutes, showcasing his ability to score in bunches. Perhaps of concern: two thirds of his shot attempts have been 3-pointers.
– Remember Jan Vesely? The Czech Republic forward was chosen sixth overall by the Washington Wizards in 2011, but was out of the league as a bust after four years. After a productive season for Fenerbahce in Turkey, Vesely is averaging a double-double at Eurobasket with 18.3 points and 10.0 rebounds. Only 25 years old, perhaps a second chance in the NBA could still come for Vesely.
– A handful of draftable players for the 2016 NBA Draft have been in action at Eurobasket. Germany’s Paul Zipser has been the most effective, averaging 4.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He is a likely second round pick in 2016. Lottery prospect Furkan Korkmaz appeared against Spain and Serbia for Turkey, and Gonzaga posts Przemek Karnowski (Poland) and Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) have seen limited action in backup roles down low.
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