Could the Boston Celtics be keeping an eye on the play of any number of potential targets to add to the team this season in EuroBasket play? The quadrennial FIBA European Basketball Championship has seen some excellent outings by a number of prospects who might make sense to add to Boston’s roster as depth options once they have had a look at the players they have on their roster already in training camp.
With word being that the Celtics intend to take their time, don’t expect a move for an overseas (or any) player in the short-term future. But if EuroBasket and EuroLeague excellence is any indicator of current NBA potential, these five players could make sense for Boston.
And one, in fact, they know quite well already.
Celtics Lab 140: Does the NBA have enough talent to expand, and how might it affect the Boston Celtics if they did? https://t.co/M3fxQ9VBPC
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 9, 2022
Sasha Vezenkov - forward - Olympiacos
A 27-year-old, 6-foot-9 forward who plays for Greece’s Olympiacos in the EuroLeague, Vezenkov is a career 38.9% shot from deep, and put up 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game with them in 2021-22.
If Boston were looking for a Gallinari replacement with a little potential upside, Vezenkov might be a solid option to bring over, but it’d require acquiring his draft rights, currently held by the Sacramento Kings.
Vasilije Micic - guard - Anadolu Efes
If the Celtics wanted a little more wing depth, Micic might make sense as a 28-year-old, 6-foot-5 guard who plays alongside Boston alum Shane Larkin for Anadolu Efes in the EuroLeague.
Micic also has his rights held by an NBA team (the OKC Thunder), so it’d take a sweetener on Boston’s end, but as a career 36.9% shot who can move the ball and defend, he could be a worthwhile depth option to keep tabs on.
Vanja Marinkovic - guard - Baskonia
Another option for wing depth playing in the EuroLeague for Baskonia, 25-year-old Marinkovic similarly has his draft rights held by the Los Angeles Clippers.
But if L.A. felt he was moveable cheap enough for the Celtics to consider, the 6-foot-6 wing might be worth the investment as a career 35.7% shot from deep.
Mike Tobey - center - FC Barcelona
If Boston doesn’t want to deal with having to trade for a EuroBasket prospect’s draft rights, Virginia product Mike Tobey might appeal as a potential frontcourt depth option.
The 7-foot, 27-year-old center went undrafted in 2016 and headed overseas after a brief stint with the Charlotte Hornets. Now with FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague, Tobey has developed a 36.4% 3-point shot with career averages of 9 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Guerschon Yabusele - forward - Real Madrid
The Dancing Bear back in Boston? The Celtics’ former No. 16 pick in 2016 has been crushing it in the EuroBasket, averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting a sizzling 55.6% from 3.
Yabu is also free and clear in terms of draft rights of course and averaged 11.6 points, 4.7 boards, 1.6 assists, and a steal per game for Real Madrid in the EuroLeague last season while hitting 39.4% of his treys.
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