Chris Duarte, the former No. 13 overall pick by the Indiana Pacers in 2021, has signed with Unicaja Malaga, marking a significant shift in his career after a tumultuous four-season stint in the NBA. Duarte's rookie year was promising, averaging 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and shooting 36.9% from beyond the arc. However, his performance declined in subsequent seasons, leading to stints with the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls. His brief tenure with the Bulls saw him leave midway through the season to play for the Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico, where he found success, averaging nearly 20 points per game.

At 28, Duarte is opting for a lucrative overseas contract, potentially paving the way for a future return to the NBA. While he made the All-Rookie Team, the past seasons' struggles may impact his prospects. Transitioning to a European league may serve to revitalize his career and provide the opportunity to re-enter the NBA in a year or two.