Euro League Stars Eye NBA Comeback: Darius Thompson Leads 2025 Prospects
March 28, 2025
Tyler Dorsey, after a stint with the Dallas Mavericks, returned to Europe where he excelled as a top offensive guard, positioning himself as a potential returnee for the 2025 NBA season.
NBA teams are increasingly recognizing the value of Euro League talent, viewing players like Dorsey and Thompson as low-risk, high-reward recruitment opportunities.
The experiences of Williams-Goss and Dorsey illustrate a new pathway for players to rebuild their careers outside the NBA, shifting the narrative of talent movement from Europe to the NBA.
Darius Thompson, currently with Anadolu Efes, is emerging as the strongest candidate for an NBA comeback in 2025, largely due to his high basketball IQ and two-way play.
Alongside Thompson, other players such as Tyler Dorsey, Nigel Williams-Goss, Jordan Loyd, and Kevin Punter are also making significant strides that could lead to opportunities in the upcoming NBA season.
A growing number of American basketball players are successfully transitioning from the Euro League back to the NBA, showcasing their skills and adaptability in European play.
Nigel Williams-Goss, who previously played for the Utah Jazz and is now with Zalgiris Kaunas, remains a strong candidate for another NBA return thanks to his versatile skills.
Jordan Loyd is making waves at AS Monaco, improving his decision-making and off-ball movement, and is being regarded as having NBA-ready skills for a possible return in 2025.
Kevin Punter, now with Partizan, is recognized as a lethal scorer, attracting interest from NBA teams despite no confirmed moves for the 2025 season.
The Euro League serves as a critical platform for American players to refine their skills in a competitive environment, challenging them to enhance their decision-making and efficiency.
Summary based on 1 source
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Eurohoops • Mar 27, 2025
EuroLeague to NBA: The American Returnees and Their U.S. Comebacks