The Boston Celtics had a number of alumni currently signed to other NBA teams participating in the 2022 European Basketball Championship (better known as the EuroBasket). They even had one of them, Toronto Raptors forward Juancho Hernagomez, play an instrumental role in helping the Spanish National Team win gold against the French National Team and three other Celtics alumni (Guerschon Yabusele, Evan Fournier, and Vincent Poirier).
Albert De Roa of HoopsHype recently put together an article grading the play of NBAers participating this year in the quadrennial competition, and a few former Boston players found themselves held in high regard.
Let’s take a look at his assessments of the ex-Celtics NBA players who took part in the EuroBasket.
Boston Celtics alum Juancho Hernangomez EuroBasket gold highlights https://t.co/9Rvx5d66ys
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 19, 2022
Daniel Theis (Indiana Pacers): C+
“Ahead of an uncertain year on a rebuilding team like Indiana, Daniel Theis embraced a role in the Eurobasket akin to the one he has in the NBA,” writes De Roa.
“His chemistry with Dennis Schroeder, his teammate in Germany before they both made the jump to the NBA, was key for their successful run to the bronze medal.”
Evan Fournier (New York Knicks): B
“True to his NBA reputation, his shot was inconsistent in the tournament, finishing the Eurobasket with a 33.8 percent accuracy from three,” writes the H/H analyst.
“But Evan Fournier‘s leadership and the constant attention he demanded were essential to give France another medal. His 20-point effort against Spain was a bittersweet ending for the Knicks guard.”
Juancho Hernangomez (Toronto Raptors): B
“In his first FIBA tournament since his celebrated actor debut, the new Raptor had ups and downs, especially on the offensive end,” suggests De Roa.
“But a massive performance against France, finishing with 27 points and 7/9 from three, earned him the final game MVP award and a gold medal. Massive return for Spain after missing the last Olympics.”
Dennis Schroder (Los Angeles Lakers): A
“Dennis Schroeder played the Eurobasket at his own risk with no contract, and walked away with a one-year deal with the Lakers and the first medal for Germany in a FIBA tournament since 2005,” writes the author.
“Playing at home, the 29-year-old point guard was the undisputed star of his team, shooting over 50% from the field while being one of the top playmakers of the tournament.”
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