FIBA World Cup: 5 players from outside the NBA that could make an impact

1. Nick Calathes

Nick Calathes was probably, at one point, the best NBA player on this list. After a couple of solid years with the Memphis Grizzlies, Calathes absorbed a PED suspension for a masking agent. Calathes left the NBA for Panathinakos, in the country where he had citizenship through his father.

Since then, Calathes has had times as the best player for the team that dominates Greek domestic play. He’s led the EuroLeague in assists for the last two years, and by all accounts, is a very good player.

But more than any other team in this tournament, Greece knows how they’re winning, and that’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, and no other Greek player has to adapt his game more than Calathes. With Giannis, Calathes doesn’t have the same opportunity to rack up assists, because the priority naturally shifts away. Taking away from him even more so, Greece has played a very European style with heavy movement and multiple initiators.

Calathes has adapted excellently, prioritizing moving without the ball even more and getting shots so wide open that even on his somewhat spotty career 3-point percentage, they’re still very good shots. His adaptation has been most clear in transition, though, where Calathes often will just instantly get the ball to Giannis and watch him go. Overall, Greece will have the best player in this tournament, but players like Calathes, who adapt their style to make him shine, will be the reason Giannis can succeed.