The 50 most interesting players in European hoops: Nos. 50-41

47. Kyle Hines, C, CSKA Moscow

The former UNC Greensboro center is a Euroleague staple. He’s won two titles with Olympiacos and CSKA Moscow, and he’s one of the steadiest hands in the game on both ends at age 30. His numbers don’t jump off the page — 8.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.6 blocks per game — but his defensive intelligence and strength playing as a 6-foot-6 center playing in Moscow’s high-octane small-ball offense make him one of Europe’s unsung heroes. He’s an outstanding decision-maker and finisher, and he has made a habit of saving the bacon for current Clipper Milos Teodosic over the past two years when the Serbian guard started playing a little too out of control.

We also can’t forget that Hines is a fantastic interview, a player who is an ambassador for Americans entering the European game and is at the forefront of the blooming player’s rights movement overseas. Hines is an important player to follow not just for his on-court exploits, but for his role in what could be a pioneering year to come for the sport in terms of player treatment.