Kenneth Faried is an endangered EuroLeague species.
Born in 1989, the Manimal is one of the last representatives of a generation slowly disappearing from Europe’s elite competition.
Seven games for CSKA in 2021–22 and, more importantly, a brilliant spell at the start of last season’s Panathinaikos odyssey put him back on the EuroLeague map – and earned him a shot with Baskonia.
True to his nickname, the Manimal remains a physical force. He should fit nicely into Baskonia’s fast-paced style and still make an impact.
But players born in the 1980s – those elder millennials – are slowly leaving the EuroLeague stage.
Llull, Hackett and a Vanishing Generation
As things stand, the oldest player in the EuroLeague next season will be Real Madrid legend Sergio Llull, born on November 15, 1987.
He’s edging closer to his fifth decade, yet opponents still don’t want to see the ball in his hands with the game on the line.
His role is gradually shrinking, much like that of Daniel Hackett, who is a month younger. But the left-handed guard still has enough experience and veteran savvy to hold Virtus together when needed.
Born in May 1988, David Lighty has long since become part of the furniture at ASVEL. When he finally retires, the strange part will be opening an ASVEL roster and not seeing his name on it.
He’s been there since 2017, after previously playing for ASVEL from 2014 to 2016.
Edwin Jackson, born in September 1989, belongs in much the same category.
Llull may be the oldest right now, but that won’t remain the case if Bryant Dunston finds another club.
A EuroLeague player since 2013, Dunston turned 40 in May. Now we’ll see whether one more EuroLeague team is willing to bet on all that experience.
One More Year?
After eight years with Anadolu Efes, 38-year-old Rodrigue Beaubois is also a free agent.
A shooting touch like that should still find a home somewhere, even in a smaller role.
As long as he’s healthy.
Also on the market is 37-year-old Elias Harris after four seasons with Bayern Munich, along with one of Europe’s best point guards in his prime, as well as Amath M’Baye.
Nando De Colo has retired, while time is beginning to catch up with those born in the early 1990s as well.
Jan Vesely and Nikola Kalinić have called time on their playing careers. Donatas Motiejunas is a free agent, while several names who were EuroLeague fixtures for years have moved one step down the European ladder: Nico Laprovittola has joined Joventut, Stefan Jović moved to Aris and Shaquielle McKissic to Türk Telekom.
The Class of 1990 Isn’t Done Yet
Two players born in 1990 won’t merely be hanging around – they’ll be expected to carry a serious load.
Mike James at Efes.
Will Clyburn at Fenerbahçe.
Then there are two legends of the Athens giants, two Kostases – Papanikolaou and Sloukas.
And Melih Mahmutoğlu?
At this point, it seems he’ll play for Fenerbahçe for as long as he damn well pleases.
The nostalgia hits hard. But basketball moves on.