Life without Milos: EuroLeague Players to Watch this Season

Even at 30 years old the LA Clippers are getting a bonafide star in Milos Teodosic, who inked a 2 year deal worth $12.3 million with the team this off-season, drawing him away from CSKA Moscow and Europe (a task many thought impossible until now). Regularly hailed as one of the best non NBA players in the world during his time with Olympiacos and CSKA Moscow, the six time All EuroLeague guard and 2010 league MVP is now tasked with filling a Chris Paul shaped hole in L.A. With Teodosic’s departure and the European season just around the corner, here are five of my ‘Ones to Watch’ throughout the EuroLeague 2017-2018 season.

Fabien Causeur – Real Madrid:

Reasons to Watch: Shooting, Craftiness, Even more shooting

Having left Brose Bamburg after one season to sign a two year deal with Real Madrid, Fabien Causeur brings a winners mentality to the Spanish side; fresh off completing the league and cup double in Germany whilst averaging 11.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Instant offence springs to mind when watching him play, going off for 28 points against Anadolu Efes and 21 points vs. Baskets Oldenburg respectively last season. This will inevitably help boost Real Madrid’s offence, already boasting the likes of Anthony Randolph and future NBA stud Luka Doncic (more on him later). The lefty small forward remains a crafty finisher inside the paint, as well as possessing a 3 point shooting percentage of around 35%; something that will allow him to draw significant defensive attention in Spain for the next two seasons. Expect Causeur to be a hit alongside an already stacked Real Madrid squad, and whose savvy and shooting will help carve up defences around the league.

Kyle Hines – CSKA Moscow:

Reasons to Watch: Defence, Power, Posters

Whilst his averages of 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds don’t jump off the page, Hines scooped up his third EuroLeague title whilst playing for CSKA Moscow in 2016, also earning himself Defensive Player of the Year recognition in the process. He brings power and athleticism to the front line of CSKA, and will be a more integral part of the unit following the loss of Teodosic (plus who doesn’t want to see a 6ft6 centre go coast to coast on a fast break and slam it home?). Despite averaging only 0.5 blocks a game, his defensive tools are his bread and butter; and although he is undersized at centre, he boasts the ability to guard numerous positions on the floor, all the while injecting some energy and hustle into the team whenever he is on the floor. CSKA Moscow will need Hines to anchor down the interior with momentum halting blocks on defence, and barrel through defenders on the fast break; reason enough for him to earn a place on my ‘Ones to Watch’.

Luka Doncic – Real Madrid:

Reasons to Watch: Maturity and poise, Passing, Potential NBA No.1 Pick

The 18 year old wonder boy is a lock for a Top 10 NBA draft pick in 2018, with many scouts and general managers throughout the NBA saying he could be drafted first after an impressive showing at this year’s FIBA EuroBasket. Wise beyond his years, Doncic sees the floor better than any 6ft7 forward in Europe and certainly doesn’t need to score to impact a game in a big way (see his 11 point, 12 rebound, 8 assist performance in the EuroBasket semi-finals against Spain). Last season’s EuroLeague Rising Star award winner posted per 40 minute averages of 15.7 points, 9 rebounds and 8.5 assists this year, yet this somehow fails to justify to the impact he has on a team; and keep in mind he is still only 18 years old. Barring any injuries, expect Doncic to further solidify his position as a viable top 3 NBA draft pick this season with his all round play and willingness to accept responsibility in crunch time.

If you watch EuroLeague for any reason at all this season, Doncic should be it.

Nicolo Melli – Fenerbahce

Reasons to Watch: Post-up game, 3 point shooting, Passing

A real pleasure to watch, Melli is firmly in my ‘Ones to Watch’ based on his team first mentality, shown through his above average passing for a big man; as well as his lights out stroke from behind the arc. A stretch 4 who connected on over 43% of his 3 point attempts, Melli’s offence revolves around either the pick and pop, or feeding the 6ft9 Italian in the post, where he uses his combination of quick feet and old school post play to punish defenders. Having signed a two year deal with the defending champions this offseason, Melli promises to be a great addition to Fenerbahce. Personally, I’d love to see him try and assert himself as a primary option this season; however this may prove difficult playing for the offensively stacked defending champions.

If you’re looking for NBA comparisons here, think of a Kevin Love/Marc Gasol hybrid; a strong rebounder and paint protector, but possesses a deadly 3 point shot along with a mixed bag of post moves.

Othello Hunter – CSKA Moscow

Reasons to Watch: Dunks, Dunks, Dunks

One of the best offseason signings this year, Othello Hunter brings experience to an already veteran CSKA Moscow side; and if he and Hines are coming at you on a fast break, forget it, you’re a poster already. Similar to Hines, Hunter uses his powerful frame to bully his way inside, with his weapon of choice being the pick and roll. His lone season at Real Madrid last year showed his limited offensive ability, but as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it; Hunter can still get up and crush one home at 31 years of age. His 65.5% 2 point field goal percentage says it all, you watch Othello Hunter to see him sky for an alley oop on a fast break and finish with force around the rim. Fans of the EuroLeague love the ball movement, the shooting and the skillsets many players bring to the league; but sometimes, just sometimes, you need to see the aggressive screw face finishes Othello Hunter can produce night after night.