From gifted scorer T.J. Warren and Khadeen Carrington to some of the EuroLeague teams’ biggest gambles, these are the five newcomers worth keeping a close eye on this season.
The term “rookie” in the EuroLeague does not necessarily refer to a young player taking his first professional steps. It also includes athletes with years of NBA experience who are preparing to discover the unique demands of European basketball for the first time.
The new season brings several intriguing newcomers to the competition. We selected the five EuroLeague rookies who give us the most reasons to watch them.
T.J. Warren – Paris Basketball
T.J. Warren is arguably the biggest name among this season’s EuroLeague rookies. The 32-year-old forward arrives in Europe having played 385 NBA games, averaging 14.3 points and 3.9 rebounds.
Injuries significantly affected the course of his career, but his offensive talent has never been in question. Warren is an excellent mid-range scorer, moves effectively without the ball and can create his own shot. Paris offers him a leading role and the ideal environment to attempt an impressive European restart.
Chris Duarte – Baskonia
Chris Duarte already has one season of European basketball under his belt. The Dominican played for Unicaja in Spain and the Basketball Champions League, so he has a better understanding of what awaits him.
A former No. 13 NBA Draft pick and a member of the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, Duarte combines scoring ability with good size and valuable defensive qualities. At Baskonia, he is expected to take on greater offensive responsibility and will have the opportunity to prove that he can make a difference at the highest level of European basketball.
Marcus Bingham Jr. – Fenerbahce
Marcus Bingham Jr. is one of the most intriguing new additions to the EuroLeague’s frontcourt ranks. The 2.13-meter American is coming off an excellent season with UNICS Kazan, where he averaged 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks.
He possesses length, athleticism and the ability to protect the rim, while he can also finish above it after rolling out of the pick-and-roll. At Fenerbahce, he will need to adjust to Sarunas Jasikevicius’ demanding tactical system and prove that he can maintain the same level of efficiency against Europe’s best big men. If he succeeds, Bingham could emerge as one of the team’s most impactful signings.
Khadeen Carrington – Hapoel Tel Aviv
Khadeen Carrington may be a EuroLeague rookie, but he already possesses considerable experience in European basketball. The 30-year-old guard spent four seasons with Hapoel Jerusalem and averaged 14.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals last season.
Carrington can create his own shot, play at either guard position and provide defensive intensity. In Hapoel Tel Aviv’s crowded backcourt, he will not need to serve as the primary playmaker. Instead, he will be expected to provide scoring, energy and reliable contributions alongside Vasilije Micic and Elijah Bryant. His familiarity with the Israeli league and his Israeli passport further increase his value to Dimitris Itoudis’ team.
Patrick Baldwin Jr. – Crvena Zvezda
Patrick Baldwin Jr. is perhaps the biggest gamble of the five. The 23-year-old forward was selected with the No. 28 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft but was unable to establish himself in the league.
His height, combined with his ability to shoot from long range, gives him a particularly intriguing offensive profile. Crvena Zvezda will try to provide Baldwin with the role and stability he could not find in the United States. If he can handle the physicality and pressure that come with every game in Belgrade, he could develop into one of the season’s biggest revelations.
These five players arrive in the EuroLeague through different paths and with different expectations. Their common denominator is talent, along with the need to adapt to a competition that punishes every weakness. One of them could prove to be the EuroLeague’s next major breakout star.
