EuroBasket 2025 showcases 20 NBA-connected stars in a condensed, high-stakes field, led by Nikola Jokic, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The ranking blends production with ceiling, spotlighting how international form could bleed into next season’s fantasy value. Sandro Mamukelashvili anchors Georgia’s offense, while Franz Wagner and Alperen Şengün appear on a sharp rise as versatile scorers. Kristaps Porziņģis’ health and Lauri Markkanen’s shooting range loom large for their respective teams. The piece also weighs Dončić’s brand of pace, Jokic’s all-around supremacy, and Giannis’ supercharged impact, mapping a path to potential fantasy dividends across both European and NBA rosters.

Beyond the top trio, the list emphasizes players who can push into perennial All-NBA conversations with expanded roles: Sengün as a playmaking big, Vlatko Čančar/Porziņģis as two-way hubs, and Avdija as a two-way wing who could anchor Portland’s growth. It highlights France’s depth with Coulibaly and Risacher, Serbia’s Bogdanović and Jokič-like offensive gravity, and Spain’s Santi Aldama as a shooting big on a frontline ready for primetime. In sum, the EuroBasket 2025 slate offers a blueprint for fantasy-believers scouting breakout potential, injury risk, and roster-fit as players cross the Atlantic for the 2025-26 season.

JJ Redick's appreciation for Marcus Smart has resurfaced at a pivotal moment as he embarks on his coaching journey with the Los Angeles Lakers. Having once battled against Smart on the court, Redick acknowledges the defensive prowess and competitive spirit that the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year brings to the team. Smart's ability to annoy opponents and make crucial winning plays is exactly what the Lakers needed to reclaim their defensive identity.

Despite battling injuries, Smart's experience as a three-time All-NBA Defensive First Team selection makes him a valuable asset. His role will primarily focus on defending against the league's top perimeter threats, allowing the Lakers' established playmakers like LeBron James and Luka Doncic to shine offensively. The Lakers believe that Smart's grit and leadership will be key ingredients in their championship aspirations.

Jeff Dowtin Jr. excelled with a career-best 30 points as the Philadelphia 76ers clinched a 122-103 victory against the Washington Wizards, snapping a 12-game losing streak. Despite injuries to key players such as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Dowtin showcased his talent, shooting 11 of 15 from the field and hitting four 3-pointers. Lonnie Walker IV contributed significantly with 24 points. The 76ers' victory was marked by a decisive fourth quarter, where they built on a slim halftime lead to secure an emphatic win.

On the other side, the Wizards saw Tristan Vukcevic lead their efforts with a career-high 24 points. However, their season continues to struggle, as they face the prospect of finishing with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers' effective long-range shooting and bench contributions were crucial to their success, indicating that even without their top stars, depth can play a pivotal role in a team's fortunes.