EuroLeague Stars Make NBA Moves After Successful Stints
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Several EuroLeague basketball stars, including Lonnie Walker, Alpha Diallo, Mario Hezonja, Tariq Bjelić, and Sergio de la Rua, have made the move to the NBA for the upcoming season, signing various contracts ranging from temporary to guaranteed deals.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- EuroLeague players are moving to the NBA for better contracts and roles.
- Lonnie Walker returns to NBA with Denver Nuggets after Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- Alpha Diallo joins Denver Nuggets after successful EuroLeague career.
- Mario Hezonja signs with Cleveland Cavaliers after starring in Europe.
- Tariq Bjelić and Sergio de la Rua join Dallas Mavericks.
- Player motivations are shifting towards financial gain and significant playing time.
Several prominent basketball players who excelled in the EuroLeague have recently transitioned to the NBA, seeking new opportunities and higher salaries. This trend reflects a shift in player motivation, with some opting for lucrative European contracts and significant roles over potentially limited NBA positions.
Lonnie Walker, a former NBA draft pick, returned to the league after a brief stint with Žalgiris Kaunas and then Maccabi Tel Aviv. Despite leading Maccabi in scoring, his impact was deemed insufficient, leading to his departure. He has signed a temporary contract with the Denver Nuggets, competing for a final roster spot.
Alpha Diallo, recognized as a versatile forward, has secured a spot on the Denver Nuggets' roster. After going undrafted in 2020, he played for Lavrio and Panathinaikos before joining AS Monaco, where he spent four seasons and became a key player. He has now signed a minimum contract with an NBA team.
Croatian forward Mario Hezonja is also returning to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a successful NBA career with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers, he played in Europe for Panathinaikos, UNICS Kazan, and Real Madrid, where he became a standout player. He has signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Cavaliers.
Tariq Bjelić, who developed into a dangerous scorer with Fenerbahçe, has earned a guaranteed contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Drafted in 2023, he initially returned to Turkey but his rights were traded to Dallas. Reports suggest his roster spot might be in jeopardy.
Sergio de la Rua, a promising Spanish point guard, has also joined the Dallas Mavericks. After playing in Spain's second division and then making significant contributions in the EuroCup and Spanish League with Valencia, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and subsequently traded to Dallas, securing at least a two-year deal.