These NBA players were shipped off!
The global basketball landscape has seen a fascinating trend in recent years, with many former NBA stars taking their talents overseas, contributing to the growth and excitement of international leagues. Notably, four-time All-Star Kemba Walker recently retired from professional basketball after a stint with AS Monaco, while Patrick Beverley made headlines by signing a historic $2 million deal to play in Israel with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC. This article explores the 5 best former NBA players currently playing overseas, featuring some names you might have forgotten.
DeMarcus Cousins continued his basketball journey overseas after a notable NBA career. In April 2023, he signed with the Guaynabo Mets in Puerto Rico, leading them to the semi-finals before an injury. By December, he joined the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League, dominating with 25.3 points and 14.8 rebounds per game in the Finals, clinching the title with a 24-point, 24-rebound performance. In June 2024, Cousins moved to the Taiwan Mustangs of the Asian Tournament, showing his adaptability and commitment to competitive basketball despite past concerns about his focus and character.
Serge Ibaka, once renowned for his defensive excellence in the NBA, transitioned successfully to European basketball. After brief stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers in 2022–2023, Ibaka signed with Bayern Munich of the German Basketball Bundesliga and EuroLeague on September 16, 2023. He brought his defensive skills and veteran leadership to the team, averaging 10.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Though he parted ways with Bayern Munich in July 2024, Ibaka's time in Germany reflected his adaptability and success in diverse basketball environments.
Patrick Beverley, known for his tenacious defence in the NBA, has joined Hapoel Tel Aviv BC in Israel. Following a turbulent stint with the Milwaukee Bucks and a four-game suspension, Beverley signed a historic $2 million deal on July 16, 2024. This move underscores his commitment to playing at a high level and contributing to international basketball. Additionally, Beverley aims to grow his brand outside the NBA, leveraging his popular podcast, “The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone,” to expand his influence.
Jabari Parker, once a highly-touted NBA prospect, has found a new home with FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague. After a brief stint with the Boston Celtics in 2021, where he showed flashes of brilliance but struggled for stability, Parker's talent caught the eye of FC Barcelona. He signed with the team on August 7, 2023. Parker made an immediate impact, scoring a team-high 12 points in his debut against Girona on September 24, 2023. His move to FC Barcelona has revitalised his career, with Parker averaging 11.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, significantly contributing to Barcelona's EuroLeague and Liga ACB campaigns.
Dwight Howard, a future Hall of Famer, began a new chapter overseas by signing with the Taoyuan Leopards of Taiwan’s T1 League on November 7, 2022. An exception was made to the salary cap, allowing him to earn over $1 million. Howard averaged 23.2 points and 16.2 rebounds per game, significantly boosting the league’s profile. After a successful stint, he played in the Australian National Basketball League and for the Strong Group in the Dubai International Basketball Championship, winning silver. In 2024, he signed with the Taiwan Mustangs of the Asian Tournament (TAT).
Willy Hernangomez, Juancho Hernangomez, Marco Belinelli, Raul Neto, and Mike Scott are also NBA talents now playing overseas!
