The Euroleague’s 50 best players: 40-31

40. James Gist, PF, Panathinaikos

Nationality/College: American (Maryland)

2017-18 stats: 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.8 steals per game (Panathinaikos)

Career synopsis: Gist was selected 57th in the 2008 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but they released his rights in 2010 after three summer league appearances. In Europe, he’s been a mainstay in Euroleague, spending a season each with Partizan, Fenerbahce, and Malaga, and what will now be seven seasons with Panathinaikos. He’s helped the Greens win four Greek League titles since.

Representative Highlight Play:

What’s his skill set?: Gist is one of the best in-game dunkers in Euroleague, and has been for years. He doesn’t have the post game of other elite Euroleague big men, but he does well sitting in the dunker spot, catching lobs and running pick-and-roll with Nick Calathes. He also is a smart, disciplined defender, particularly in the post, where PAO coach Xavi Pascual routinely has him defend the other team’s primary scoring threat.

What makes him special?: Gist is one half of one of Euroleague’s most deadly plays last season. Calathes/Gist pick-and-roll was unstoppable at times thanks to the former’s ability to thread the needle in traffic and the latter’s athleticism and strength. Gist isn’t what you’d call a star, but he’s a very strong two-way power forward, and he’s been incredibly consistent despite what has been a turbulent few years at the club. He’s never going to consistently break off for 20 point contests, but he’s one of the league’s most reliable players, and is good for a highlight dunk every few games where he powers through some poor wing trying to provide weakside help.