10 American Players Who Thrived In Europe This Season

Mike James, the dynamic former NBA guard, has been absolutely lighting it up this season with AS Monaco in the EuroLeague. He's not just playing; he's dominating with eye-popping stats of 18.7 points and 5.1 assists per game. These numbers aren't just for show—they've been crucial in pushing Monaco to new heights.

Monaco finished the regular season impressively, securing the third spot in the standings with a record of 23 wins and 11 losses. This solid performance has set them up for a challenging playoff battle against the formidable Fenerbahçe, a team known for its tough play and strategic depth.

James’s chemistry with Kemba Walker, who is experiencing his first season in European basketball, has been a key storyline this year whenever he’s healthy. The duo could be a nightmare for defenses across the league, blending James's scoring finesse with Walker's knack for playmaking, although Kemba’s knee issues have persisted for the entire season.

Highlighting James's standout season was a game where he put up a whopping 28 points against Bayern, one of the toughest teams in the league. This performance wasn’t just about scoring; it was a statement that he could dominate against top-tier competition, further proving why he’s such a valued player in Europe.

And let’s not forget, Mike James has recently etched his name into the history books by becoming the all-time leading scorer in the EuroLeague. This milestone is a huge testament to his skill, longevity, and ability to perform at the highest levels consistently.

2. Markus Howard

Markus Howard, known for his scoring prowess at Marquette University, is now showcasing his skills with Baskonia in the EuroLeague. This marks his second season with the team, and he has continued to impress with his sharpshooting and ability to take over games. His adaptation to European basketball has been seamless, evidenced by his significant role on the team.

Howard's statistics this season are notable. He's averaging 19.4 points per game and has maintained a strong 40% from beyond the arc. His scoring bursts have been crucial for Baskonia, especially in games that come down to the wire.

Baskonia had an intense journey to the playoffs, securing their spot through a play-in victory against Virtus Bologna. They finished the regular season just outside the top eight but showed great resilience and capability in crucial matches, demonstrating their readiness for high-stakes competition.

A highlight of Howard's season was during a high-pressure game where he scored 28 points in the Play-In game, helping to secure a much-needed win and demonstrating his clutch-scoring ability. This performance underscored his importance to Baskonia's offensive strategies and his ability to shine in critical moments.

In the playoffs, Baskonia faces a formidable opponent in Real Madrid, who finished first in the regular season. The matchup will be a tough test for Howard and his team, but it's also an opportunity for him to make a significant impact against one of the best defenses in the league.

3. Wade Baldwin IV

Wade Baldwin IV, whose NBA journey saw him as a notable prospect, has successfully transitioned to being a standout player for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague. In his tenure with the team, Baldwin has quickly become a cornerstone of Maccabi's backcourt, showcasing his talent and leadership this season.

For this season, Baldwin has elevated his game, posting impressive averages of 17.7 points and 4.9 assists per game in the EuroLeague. His scoring ability, combined with his playmaking skills, has made him an indispensable part of Maccabi's offense. Baldwin’s aggressive style and ability to drive to the basket complement his sound defensive play, making him a dual threat on the court.

Maccabi finished the regular season in seventh place in the standings, securing their playoff spot with a record of 20 wins and 14 losses. This positioning set them up for a challenging first-round playoff matchup against Panathinaikos, who finished second. This series is expected to be highly competitive, with Baldwin playing a crucial role in his team's quest for success.

4. Shane Larkin

Shane Larkin, a familiar name for NBA fans due to his stints with Boston, the Knicks, Nets, and Dallas, has firmly established himself as a star in European basketball. After leaving the NBA, Larkin chose to continue his career in Europe, where he has thrived as a key player for Anadolu Efes in the EuroLeague.

This season, Larkin has continued to impress with his performance, averaging 16.8 points and 5.1 assists per game. His ability to control the game's tempo and his sharp shooting from beyond the arc have been significant assets for Efes. Despite his team finishing ninth in the standings and just missing the playoffs, Larkin's leadership and skillset have been undeniable bright spots in their campaign.

Larkin's journey in Europe is marked by several stellar seasons, and he has become one of the standout American players in the league over the years. His transition from the NBA to becoming a star in Europe showcases his adaptability and skill level, adapting his game to different styles and higher levels of team play prevalent in European leagues.

5. Kendrick Nunn

Kendrick Nunn's transition from the NBA to European basketball has been one of the intriguing storylines of the season. After his time with NBA teams like the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, where he showed promising potential but struggled with injuries, Nunn has taken his talents to Panathinaikos for his first stint in Europe.

In his debut season with Panathinaikos, Nunn has quickly adapted to the European style of play, contributing significantly with averages of 15.4 points and 3.0 assists per game. His scoring ability has made him a key offensive player for the team, helping Panathinaikos secure the second spot in the EuroLeague standings with a strong record.

Despite previous setbacks with injuries during his NBA career, Nunn has managed to maintain good health and consistency throughout the season in Europe. This resilience has allowed him to showcase his full potential and reliability as a player, proving vital for his team's success.

Panathinaikos's excellent performance in the EuroLeague, finishing second only to the powerhouse Real Madrid, can be attributed in part to Nunn's integration into the team and his immediate impact. His ability to score from various positions on the court and his knack for making plays in critical moments has been instrumental in many of their victories.

6. Kevin Punter

Kevin Punter, a sharpshooting guard from the University of Tennessee, has been making waves in European basketball since 2018. Although he never made it to the NBA, Punter has carved out a significant niche for himself overseas, particularly with Partizan, where he's currently in his third year.

This season, Punter has been a standout player for Partizan, averaging 15.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. His scoring ability, especially from beyond the arc, has been a crucial element of Partizan's offense. Punter's consistency and knack for making big shots have made him one of the go-to scorers on the team.

Despite Punter's excellent performance, Partizan has had a somewhat disappointing season, finishing as the 11th seed in the EuroLeague and missing out on the playoffs. The team struggled to find consistency and cohesion throughout the season, which ultimately affected their ability to compete at the highest level.

As Partizan regroups for the next season, Kevin Punter's role is expected to be even more pivotal. The team will look to build around his talents and experience, aiming to translate his individual successes into more consistent team performance and hopefully a better finish in the league standings.

7. Carsen Edwards

Carsen Edwards, who started his NBA career with the Boston Celtics and had a brief stint with the Detroit Pistons in 2022, has taken his talents to Europe, where he is now in his second season. This year, he suited up for Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague, contributing to the team's efforts with his dynamic scoring ability.

In the current season, Edwards has posted averages of 11.5 points and 1.8 assists per game. While these numbers reflect his role as a significant scoring option for Bayern, the team itself has struggled in the league, finishing 15th in the standings. This position reflects a challenging season where the team couldn't consistently leverage Edwards' contributions into wins.

One of the highlights of Edwards' season was an explosive performance against Olimpia Milano, where he scored 32 points. This game showcased his scoring prowess and ability to take over games, reinforcing why he was such a valued player back in college at Purdue and during his time in the NBA.

8. Shavon Shields

Shavon Shields has been tearing it up with Olimpia Milano this season, proving to be a powerhouse in the EuroLeague. Known for his slick scoring and tough play, Shields has really made his mark, averaging 15.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He's not just a scorer; he's a do-it-all kind of player who's essential for Milano.

This year, Milano ended up 12th in the standings, which isn't where they hoped to be, but it's clear that the EuroLeague is stacked with tough competition. Even though they didn't make the playoffs, Shields' performances were a silver lining, showing that he can compete with the best of them.

Looking ahead, Olimpia Milano will definitely lean on Shields more as they try to climb the ranks in the EuroLeague. His leadership and knack for big performances will be key in shaping the team's future.

9. Sterling Brown

Sterling Brown, who previously played for NBA teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and had brief appearances in the G-League and with the Los Angeles Lakers, has ventured into European basketball for the first time this season. He signed with ALBA Berlin in the EuroLeague, aiming to bring his robust NBA experience to a new competitive arena.

In his inaugural season with ALBA Berlin, Brown has posted averages of 11.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. While these numbers demonstrate his ability to contribute offensively, ALBA Berlin struggled throughout the season, ultimately finishing in last place, 18th in the EuroLeague standings. Despite the team's struggles, Brown's individual performances have shown flashes of the skill and toughness he was known for in the NBA.

Brown's transition to the EuroLeague has been marked by the challenge of adapting to a different style of basketball and a new team dynamic. His experience in high-pressure situations in the NBA has equipped him with the resilience and basketball IQ necessary to navigate and eventually excel in European competitions.

10. Jabari Parker

Jabari Parker, previously with NBA teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls, has transitioned to European basketball with FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague. Parker's NBA background endowed him with a rich skill set and scoring ability, making him an intriguing addition to Barcelona’s roster.

In his debut season with Barcelona, Parker has been finding his groove within a well-rounded team. He has contributed with an average of 10.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. These statistics reflect his role as a key rotational player, providing solid minutes and contributing to the team's offensive schemes.

FC Barcelona has performed strongly in the EuroLeague, securing the fourth spot in the standings with a record of 22 wins and 12 losses. This finish has set them up for a competitive playoff matchup against Olympiacos, a team known for its resilience and strategic play. This series promises to be a challenging test for Barcelona, with Parker expected to play a significant role in their pursuit of a victory.