More and more NBA players are finding regular playing time and better contracts across the ocean. The latest example of someone potentially making the trek to Europe is one of the summer league stars, Charles Bassey. To be fair, he has already played four seasons in the NBA, making it logical for him to dominate the summer league competition. Yet, while he showed promising potential, it seems like he may be moving on from the NBA.
Summer League Standout Likely to Move to Europe
According to the latest reports, Bassey and his agent are talking with several teams playing in the EuroLeague, with Partizan from Serbia mentioned as the clear favorite for his services. His agent, Mark McNeal, said,
“Charles is honored with the interest of BC Partizan. He’s definitely interested in the offer and will continue the talks with the club and his agent. Other European clubs contracted him too, but Partizan is currently his priority.”
The Serbian club is trying to get some quality NBA role players. They already signed Shake Milton, another former NBA player. While Milton is more experienced, Bassey is a good player as well. Together, they can help Partizan get back to winning and be more competitive in the EuroLeague.
Through four seasons in the NBA, Bassey has averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and almost an assist and a block in 11.1 minutes of action. Most importantly, he has shot 63.1% from the floor. His efficiency around the basket makes him a valuable weapon for teams that love to play inside.
Bassey Could Have Stayed in the NBA
The Boston Celtics were one of the teams in the NBA that were interested in bringing in Bassey. They offered him a summer league spot, and he didn’t disappoint. In the first two games for the Celtics in the summer league, he shone. In the first game, a win against the Memphis Grizzlies, he had 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in 18 minutes of action. He was even better in his second game, finishing with team highs in points (22), rebounds (13), and blocks (3) in a win against the New York Knicks.
He has also played well in the G League. Last season, the Spurs didn’t send him to the G League. But he has been part of it in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Through two seasons, he averaged 20.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.7 blocks in the regular season.
But the Boston Celtics are in a sort of limbo. They have made a few trades to shade salary. With the injury to Jayson Tatum, the Celtics look like they will treat next season as a gap year. They could certainly use another center. Right now, the Celtics have only Luka Garza and Neemias Queta as their centers on the roster.
The Spurs, his former team, had little interest in keeping him because they improved the position with two new players. This offseason, the Spurs got Kelly Olynyk and Luke Kornet to provide some depth behind Victor Wembanyama.
With those two teams likely not offering a contract, Charles Bassey has decided to find more opportunities in Europe.
Photo credit: © Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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