The influx of European players to the NBA — or back to the NBA in some cases — next season will extend beyond the arrival of Jonas Valanciunas from Lithuania to Toronto and from France to Denver for Evan Fournier.
It is more than the return of Andrei Kirilenko and Nenad Krstic from Russia.
As the free agent market grows and dominates during the offseason, the list of international players anxious to make the jump to the NBA will grow right along the way.
Featuring a number of athletic and versatile prospects, here is a closer look at the player profiles, a brief scouting report and the teams showing reported interest at each Euro player.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1z4ADVvJK_g
Alexey Shved – 6-5 Guard
CSKA Moscow
Scouting Report: Shved gives a lot of looks offensively — a guard who can shoot from the perimeter and break down a defense getting into the lane. The trouble is defensively and being able to handle stronger, faster NBA guards. His overall game would excel in an up-tempo offense and at this juncture in his career, a reserve role fits him perfectly — a guy who provide some energy and scoring spark in a second-unit.
Teams to watch: Minnesota, Cleveland, Memphis
http://youtube.com/watch?v=g4IdpCl4Ypw
Mirza Teletovic – 6-9 Forward
Caja Laboral (Spain)
Scouting Report: A stretch forward who prefers the perimeter to the paint, Teletovic has a quick and high release from outside and can help spread the floor. Can also hold his own on defense and defend smaller forwards. Dubbed the “best player in Europe” and playing in Spain’s famed ACB League, Teletovic led the Turkish Airlines Euroleague in scoring with 21.7 points and added 6 rebounds per game.
Teams to watch: Brooklyn, Cleveland
Update: Teletovic reached a verbal agreement with the Nets on a three-year deal reports Chad Ford.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ob4YsjvOP_U
Andrey Vorontsevich – 6-8 Forward
CSKA Moscow
Scouting Report: The overall numbers won’t blow anyone away — averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds (20 minutes) per game and shot 60% from the field for CSKA in the Russian League, 8.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the VTB United League and 5.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in Euroleague competition. But Vorontsevich is all about hard work and doing the little things on defense. He gets after it.
Teams to watch: Oklahoma City
Vyacheslav Kravtsov – 6-11 Center
BC Donetsk (Ukraine)
Scouting Report: Some fans in Boston may remember Kravtsov from the Celtics’ 2010 summer league team, but since going undrafted in 2009 the center has been developing his game in the Ukraine. Has an NBA body (6-11, 235 pounds) and is strong around the rim. Needs to mature offensively, but certainly a prospect worth investing in for the long haul. Kravtsov averaged 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds in Superleague play and 8.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in the Eurocup. Disclaimer — this is not a done deal with the Pistons knowing their is a buyout clause to consider.
Teams to watch: Detroit
