NBA
Players Leaving the NBA for Overseas Basketball
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsUpdated15 Oct 2021
As NBA players are on the move around the league in free agency, many are setting their sights overseas. A handful of individuals who played in the NBA last season already have joined international clubs. Take a look at those who will be competing overseas next season instead of in the NBA.
Joel Freeland: When the free agency frenzy began in July, Freeland didn’t wait long to make a move of his own. After three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, the British big man agreed to a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow. He had previously played in Europe prior to coming to the NBA.
Nick Calathes: Calathes is returning to Panathinaikos Athens, where he previously won Greek League titles. He played the last two seasons for the Memphis Grizzlies, and his deal will reportedly have an NBA out clause.
Pero Antic: Antic was 31 years old before he arrived in the NBA, a decision he told Basketball Insiders he wishes he had made sooner. But after two years in the league, including a deep playoff run last season with the Atlanta Hawks, he is returning home to Europe. He will play for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkey.
Gigi Datome: Joining Antic on Fenerbahce is Italian swingman Gigi Datome. He signed a three-year deal with the Turkish club after playing for the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics.
Ekpe Udoh: Fenerbahce wasn’t done yet. They also signed Ekpe Udoh to a one-year contract this week. The former sixth overall pick (2010) played sparingly for the Los Angeles Clippers last season.
Alexey Shved: Shved played for four NBA teams in only three seasons. He is leaving the league for now to join Khimki Moscow, but the contract has an NBA out option.
Robbie Hummel: From Minnesota to Milan, Hummel will play for Olimpia Milano in Italy following two seasons with the Timberwolves. He averaged 4.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 45 games last season.
Nate Wolters: Following two years in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans, Wolters is heading overseas. The point guard will play for Besiktas in Turkey.
Jarvis Varnado: After bouncing around the NBA and D-League, as well as participating in Summer League, Varnado is returning to Europe where he played earlier in his career. He will play for Dinamo Basket Sassari in Italy.
Justin Hamilton: After playing for four NBA teams over the past two seasons, Hamilton will play for Valencia Basket in Spain. He most recently suited up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 9.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17 games.
Aaron White: The Washington Wizards selected White out of the University of Iowa with the 49th pick in this year’s draft. He played for the Wizards Summer League team, but signed with Telekom Baskets Bonn in Germany this week.
