No team has been discussed more so far this summer than Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, which has already made 10 signings ahead of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season. Notably, Zvezda has signed three guards – Milos Teodosic, Shabazz Napier and Yago Dos Santos – that should make its game a must-watch for any basketball fan right across the globe.

Crvena Zvezda's guards should be box office next season

No team has been discussed more so far this summer than Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, which has already made 10 signings ahead of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. Notably, Zvezda has signed three guards – [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-brings-home-legend-milos-teodosic/), [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/shabazz-napier-joins-crvena-zvezda/) and [Yago Dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/yago-dos-santos-makes-jump-to-euroleague-with-zvezda/) – that should make its games a must-watch for any basketball fan right across the globe.

When it became clear that star guards [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-signs-playmaker-luca-vildoza/) and [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/real-madrid-reunites-with-star-guard-facu-campazzo/) would be moving on from Zvezda, with the Argentine duo signing for Panathinaikos Athens and Real Madrid, respectively, it would have been easy for the panic alarms to sound at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall. Well, instead, the club's management has acted brilliantly to ensure that Zvezda's fans can look ahead to the upcoming season with optimism.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">They&#39;ve been busy lately 🔴⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kkcrvenazvezda</a> <br><br>Rate these signings out of 10 ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/C9gfGlUV5v">pic.twitter.com/C9gfGlUV5v</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1680912557899382786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Teodosic got the ball rolling

The first guard to join Zvezda this summer was none other than Teodosic, who signed for the club on July 11, which already feels like an eternity ago. He was the third player to arrive at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, and you may recall reading a piece by this writer about how [he and fellow new recruit Marko Simonovic may link up on the court](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/new-crvena-zvezda-signings-milos-teodosic-marko-simonovic-return-to-serbia-with-one-thing-in-mind/). Since then, a further seven players have moved to Zvezda, which has helped to create a better picture of what we may see next season.

At the age of 36, Teodosic may not have the legs that he once had, but his mind is just as quick as ever. Over the last four seasons with Virtus Segafredo Bologna, the Serbian Point God has regularly put on a show for those in attendance, as well as those watching at home. Now, he will get to do so in front of his fellow compatriots on a regular basis for the first time since leaving FMP in 2007.

What's more, with Teodosic being a die-hard Zvezda supporter, he will also be suiting up for the club that both he and the fans have a shared love for. After averaging 10.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists and a 10.5 PIR in 19:29 minutes across 26 games for Virtus last season, most of which were from the bench, Teodosic is in a perfect position to continue to influence games at the highest level, even if it is from more of a reserve role.

The best plays of new Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade guard Milos Teodosic during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Milos Teodosic's top plays of the 2022-23 season

### Napier and Dos Santos show that Zvezda means business

There was already a lot of excitement among Zvezda supporters following the announcement of Teodosic's return to Serbia, but the signings of Shabazz Napier and Yago Dos Santos saw the hype machine go into overdrive.

Napier became the talk of Europe following his arrival at EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in late January 2023, as the 32-year-old American point guard took to the EuroLeague like a duck to water. In 12 appearances he posted impressive averages of 15.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and a 16.4 PIR, but it was his leadership that also stood out, with the Napier-led Milan almost securing an unlikely spot in the playoffs.

The best plays of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan guard Shabazz Napier in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Shabazz Napier's best plays, 2022-23

Meanwhile, it was a similar story for Dos Santos at ratiopharm Ulm in last season's BKT EuroCup. The 24-year-old Brazilian, whose passing style is not too dissimilar to Teodosic, made Ulm one of the most exciting teams in the competition, averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.1 assists and a 17.6 PIR en route to a quarterfinal finish. His joyful play on the court was reminiscent of the samba style seen in Brazil's soccer teams, too.

Both players had impressive shooting numbers last season, with Napier going 45.2% on two-pointers, 45.6% from three-point territory and 87.5% on free throws, while Dos Santos shot 49.2% inside the arc, 39.1% on triples and 88.7% from the charity stripe. Given that Teodosic has similar shooting splits – 43.5% on two-pointers, 39.4% on three-pointers and 89.7% on free throws – there should be a collective sense of panic among the other 17 EuroLeague head coaches about what these three new recruits could do for Zvezda next season.

The best plays of new Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade signing Yago Dos Santos during his time with ratiopharm Ulm in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup season.

Yago Dos Santos's top plays in 2022-23

### Don't forget about Nemanja Nedovic

While the focus has been on Zvezda's new signings, one player who has been somewhat overlooked is last summer's star arrival, [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/). The 32-year-old returned to his native Serbia last year and went on to average 13.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and an 11.2 PIR across 27 games, with four being as a starter. Notably, he hit the game-winning shot as Zvezda defeated archrival Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 73-76 at Stark Arena in the first-ever EuroLeague edition of the Belgrade derby.

Zvezda was unable to reach the playoffs last season with its guard trio of Nedovic, Vildoza and Campazzo, meaning that its wait to return to the postseason – having last got there in 2016 – extended by a further year. The hope is that Teodosic, Napier, Dos Santos and Nedovic can help bring that run to an end. Importantly, all four will begin the campaign under contract; last year, Vildoza and Campazzo joined mid-season and Zvezda was left playing catch-up.

Nemanja Nedovic | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Nikola Topic heads to university

While he has the aforementioned four players ahead of him in the pecking order, 17-year-old prodigy [Nikola Topic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-invests-in-the-future-with-angt-star-nikola-topic/) has signed his first professional contract with Zvezda and could get a few chances to play here and there. For Topic, it will be an excellent learning experience after shining at several of the Adidas Next Generation Tournaments with Zvezda's under-18s, as he can now learn from the likes of Teodosic, Napier, Dos Santos and Nedovic on a day-to-day basis.

Particularly in the case of Teodosic, an idol in Serbia, Topic should act like a sponge around the veteran point guard, soaking up any information that he has to offer. Napier, too, will provide plenty of stories and tips for the youngster, having been a star in college at the University of Connecticut and then spent six seasons in the NBA with various teams.

Speaking with Basket News's Donatas Urbonas, Nico Mannion, Teodosic's former teammate at Virtus, explained what it is like to learn under the Point God.

"To me, Milos is the best passer I've ever seen," said Mannion. "He's almost difficult to learn from because it's so natural to him, but he's taught me a couple of things, just some passing tricks about spots and angles. He's a basketball genius and he makes it look so effortless.

"He's been great with me. He played in the EuroLeague when he was young as well, so he knows how difficult it is. He's been nothing but positive with me, he helps me out all the time. He's demanding, but he's also just a great person, like he genuinely cares about you. Last year \[the 2021-22 season\] was rough for me and he was always helping me out, giving me little pointers."

For Topic, next year is a chance for him to not only work with the first-team roster but, if all goes well, get more minutes on the court and show what he can do. Fans of both Zvezda and the Serbian national team will be keeping a close eye on Topic's development in the upcoming campaign.

Crvena Zvezda News

Yago Dos Santos, one of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade's new guard signings, in action for ratiopharm Ulm in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup season.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has confirmed that Stefan Lazarevic has penned a new three-year deal with the club, keeping him under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season. Lazarevic (1.98 meters, 26 years old) is a graduate of Zvezda's academy, but he has only spent the last two seasons in the first-team squad. During the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, Lazarevic averaged 2.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and a 2.5 PIR in 17:54 minutes on the floor.

Stefan Lazarevic extends stay at Crvena Zvezda to 2026

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has confirmed that [Stefan Lazarevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/stefan-lazarevic/004720/) has penned a new three-year deal with the club, keeping him under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season. Lazarevic (1.98 meters, 26 years old) is a graduate of Zvezda's academy, but he has only spent the last two seasons in the first-team squad. During the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, Lazarevic made 30 appearances, starting 18 times, and averaged 2.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and a 2.5 PIR in 17:54 minutes on the floor.

The best plays of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade forward Stefan Lazarevic in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague seasons.

Stefan Lazarevic's top plays between 2021 and 2023

### A patient journey to Zvezda's first team

 

Lazarevic first became known among Zvezda fans after winning the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in 2014, as the club's under-18 side defeated Real Madrid's juniors 55-42 in Italy. That day, a 17-year-old Lazarevic had 2 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block. After making his professional debut with Zvezda's first team in March 2014 during an ABA League fixture, the summer of 2014 saw him move on loan to FMP, where he remained for three seasons.

Upon his return to Zvezda in 2017, Lazarevic went on to make his EuroLeague debut in the 2017-18 campaign, playing limited minutes across four appearances at the start of the season. The following campaign saw Lazarevic return to FMP on another loan deal, as he continued his development there between 2018 and 2021.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Prvotimac KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet Stefan Lazarević produžio je ugovor sa klubom! <br> <br>Lazarević je dete Crvene zvezde gde je pravio prve korake u mlađim kategorijama još 2014. godine i bio deo čuvene generacije koja je osvojila juniorsku Evroligu u Milanu.<br> <br>Ostankom… <a href="https://t.co/0jpxatdOqZ">pic.twitter.com/0jpxatdOqZ</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1681304410511785984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Then, since the summer of 2021, Lazarevic has been a regular member of Zvezda's first-team roster, appearing in 51 EuroLeague games over the last two seasons. In the 2021-22 campaign, he averaged 2.8 points, 1.4 rebounds and a 2.3 PIR in 12:26 minutes through 21 games, of which five were as a starter. Last season, he set personal highs for games played (30), games started (21), total minutes (537:10), total points (82), total rebounds (83), total assists (16) and accumulated PIR (76).

Stefan Lazarevic dunks the basketball during a Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade game in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Stefan Lazarevic extends stay at Zvezda to 2026

Real Madrid has strengthened its backcourt by inking playmaker Facu Campazzo to a four-year deal, the club announced on Tuesday. This will mark a third stint with Los Blancos for Campazzo (1.81 meters, 31 years old), having spent the 2014-15 season with the team and also from 2017 to 2020, with a loan spell at UCAM Murcia from 2015 to 2017 in between. He arrives from Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Real Madrid reunites with star guard Facu Campazzo

Real Madrid has strengthened its backcourt by inking playmaker [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) to a four-year deal, the club announced on Tuesday. This will mark a third stint with *Los Blancos* for Campazzo (1.81 meters, 31 years old), having spent the 2014-15 season with the team and also from 2017 to 2020, with a loan spell at UCAM Murcia from 2015 to 2017 in between. He arrives from Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, where he averaged 15.0 points, 5.9 assists and 1.9 steals in nine Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season. Campazzo also helped the team win the Serbian League and Cup double and reach the ABA League final. He started the 2022-23 season with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, where he appeared in eight games before joining Zvezda.

Facundo Campazzo returned to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season, averaging 15.0 points, 5.9 assists and 1.9 steals in 9 games with Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade.

Facundo Campazzo: 2022-23 EuroLeague highlights

### A EuroLeague champ with Real Madrid

Campazzo started his career with Penarol Mar del Plata of his native Argentina and led it to four league titles before joining Real in 2014. In his first season with *Los Blancos*, 2014-15, Campazzo helped Real win the triple, lifting the Spanish League, Spanish Cup and EuroLeague trophies. Campazzo was sent on loan to another Spanish team, UCAM Murcia, for two years. He returned for a second stint with Real, in which he added a second EuroLeague title in 2018, as well as two Spanish League championships and a Spanish Cup. Campazzo has also played for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Comunicado Oficial: Campazzo.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FacuIsBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FacuIsBack</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1681273715890241566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Career highlights

He has been very successful with the Argentinean national team, too. Camapzzo captured gold medals at the 2012 South American Championship, the 2019 Pan American Games and the 2022 FIBA Americas Championship. He led Argentina to a silver medal at the 2018 World Cup, and won four more medals at different championships.

In 122 EuroLeague career games with Real and Zvezda, Campazzo has averaged 8.8 points, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals in less than 23 minutes per night. He ranks second all-time in assists per 40 minutes (9.4), only trailing Thomas Heurtel, and is also second in assists per game (5.3) among those players who have been in at least 100 EuroLeague games.

More on Facu Campazzo

You can begin counting the days until every game matters again with the release of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game calendar for the upcoming regular season.

Get the 2023-24 EuroLeague calendar now!

**You can begin counting the days until every game matters again with the release of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game calendar for the upcoming regular season.**

Unpredictability filled last season right up until the moment when Real Madrid seized the trophy in the closing seconds of the Final Four. The new season promises even more drama with the addition of [the new Play-In Showdown phase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-introduces-play-in-showdown/) between the regular season and the playoffs.

You can now [DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR](https://euroleague.roktcalendar.com/2023-24) to the device of your choice and keep your club's biggest dates of the season close at hand at all times.

[Your Device](https://euroleague.roktcalendar.com/2023-24) | [Printable](https://media-cdn.incrowdsports.com/a1c5b79d-869f-4798-ae37-a14ffdefc8e4.pdf) | [Full season calendar](https://media-cdn.incrowdsports.com/99f9f668-65bc-444b-9aad-cf34744c779a.pdf) | [Round-by-Round](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/)

In less than three months, the EuroLeague will be back in full swing, with opening games set for the first week of October. There will be 34 rounds of round-robin action in which all teams play all others twice, home and away. Then comes the Play-In Showdown, followed by four best-of-five playoff series and then the world-renowned Final Four, to be held at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany.

The season arrives with a bang with Round 1 derbies, the first between FC Bayern Munich and ALBA Berlin on Thursday, October 5. A night later, one of the greatest rivalries in basketball, Panathinaikos Athens vs. Olympiacos Piraeus, last season's runner-up, takes the stage. Less than a week later, in Round 2, get ready for the last two EuroLeague champions to lock horns as Anadolu Efes Istanbul hosts Real Madrid.

The first of eight double-round weeks runs from Tuesday, October 17 to Friday, October 20. Seven of those double-round weeks will fall by February 2, including an unprecedented two consecutively as all teams play four games between Tuesday, January 2 and Friday, January 12.

Be sure to circle Thursday, October 26 on your calendars, too. On that night, two of most passionate derbies anywhere are scheduled: Partizan Mozzart Bet vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet meet in the Belgrade derby and Real hosts FC Barcelona the first *Clasico* of the season.

The Italian derby comes next as EA7 Emporio Armani Milan will visit Virtus Segafredo Bologna on Thursday, November 14. The Turkish derby will wait until the end of the first leg of the regular season, in Round 17, when Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul crosses the Bosphorus to face Efes on Thursday, December 29. One night later, the last scheduled game of 2023 and the first lap of the regular season pits Partizan against Virtus.

Between February 3 and the last date of the regular season, Friday, April 12, there will be just one more double-round week, from March 19 to 22. The next-to-last round features the last scheduled derby of the regular season as Efes visits Fenerbahce on Friday, April 5.

[The new Play-In Showdown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-introduces-play-in-showdown/) will take place from Tuesday, April 16 until Friday, April 19, and then the best-of-five playoffs get rolling on the following Tuesday, April 23. If any series reaches five games, the playoffs will end on Wednesday, May 8, setting the stage for the Final Four from Thursday, May 23 to Sunday, May 26 in the German capital, with the semifinals being played on May 24 and the Third-Place and Championship Games on the 26th.

It all adds up to a minimum of 326 games, more if all playoff series are not sweeps, and like always, every one matters -- even more so thanks to the new Play-In Showdown.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has signed a four-year deal with teenage star Nikola Topic, the club confirmed on Monday. Topic (1.98 meters, 17 years old), who spent the past three years in Zvezda's youth system, has had three brief appearances in the EuroLeague – one in the 2021-22 season and two during the 2022-23 campaign for a total of 10:23 minutes – but he is yet to score a point in the competition. 

Crvena Zvezda invests in the future with ANGT star Nikola Topic

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has signed a four-year deal with teenage star [Nikola Topic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-topic/010985/), the club confirmed on Monday. Topic (1.98 meters, 17 years old), who spent the past three years in Zvezda's youth system, has had three brief appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague – one in the 2021-22 season and two during the 2022-23 campaign for a total of 10:23 minutes – but he is yet to score a point in the competition. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Serbian League side OKK Belgrade. Now, Topic, the son of former Zvezda player and coach Milenko Topic, has signed his first professional contract and committed himself to the club for the foreseeable future.

### An ANGT star

This past May, Topic was voted to the All-Tournament Team at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament Finals, where in three games he posted 30.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 steals for an average PIR of 39.3. Earlier last season, Topic received the Most Valuable Player award at the ANGT Belgrade event, having posted 26.8 points while shooting 52.9% on three-pointers and going 32-of-33 on free throws (97.0%). He also averaged 3.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 2.0 steals for an average PIR of 33.5. During that tournament, Topic tied the ANGT all-time single-game scoring record with 49 points and tied for third all-time highest PIR mark with a rating of 65 in Zvezda’s group-stage win over NGT Belgrade.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Dete Crvene zvezde, jedan od najtalentovanijih igrača Evrope, mladi reprezentativac Srbije Nikola Topić, i zvanično je potpisao prvi profesionalni ugovor sa svojom Crvenom zvezdom! 🔴⚪️<br><br>Detaljnije: <a href="https://t.co/cPE4nqWZjH">https://t.co/cPE4nqWZjH</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrvenoBelaPorodica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrvenoBelaPorodica</a> <a href="https://t.co/HrDcXwVwaX">pic.twitter.com/HrDcXwVwaX</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1681006153038266368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### An exciting summer for Zvezda

No club has been more active than Zvezda so far this summer, with the club having announced nine signings before that of Topic. There is a real buzz around what the Belgrade-based team could achieve in next year's EuroLeague, and Topic will now have the opportunity to learn alongside the likes of [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/shabazz-napier-joins-crvena-zvezda/), [Yago Dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/yago-dos-santos-makes-jump-to-euroleague-with-zvezda/) and [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-brings-home-legend-milos-teodosic/) on a day-by-day basis. Zvezda's potential star of the future is in a great situation to continue his development.

Nikola Topic in action for U18 Crvena Zvezda Belgrade at the 2023 ANGT Finals.

Zvezda invests in the future with ANGT star Nikola Topic

Last season's runner-up, Olympiacos Piraeus, made veteran power forward Luke Sikma its third addition to the roster on Thursday, following center Nikola Milutinov and playmaker Nigel Williams-Goss.

Luke Sikma's unique game fits the Olympiacos mindset

Last season's runner-up, [Olympiacos Piraeus, made veteran power forward Luke Sikma its third addition to the roster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-piraeus-adds-playmaking-forward-luke-sikma/) on Thursday, following center Nikola Milutinov and playmaker Nigel Williams-Goss.

Of course, Olympiacos had major roles to fill after [losing three-time champion Kostas Sloukas to archrival Panathinaikos Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kostas-sloukas-switches-olympiacos-for-archrival-panathinaikos/) and EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov to the NBA. Apart from their trophies and numerous accolades, those two players combined for 28.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 7.5 assists last season. No single player, and very few pairs of players, can replace that kind of production, but acquiring Sikma is a step in that direction for Olympiacos.

### What Sikma brings to Olympiacos

Sikma is the best definition of a point forward in the EuroLeague and easily the best passer among frontcourt players. He averaged 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists last season. Just six other teams had players with higher average assists than his. And last season was no fluke. For his 121-game EuroLeague career, Sikma has put up 8.8 points on 35.8% three-point shooting, 5.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

On paper, Sikma fits into a gaping hole left by Vezenkov at power forward. But it's safe to say he is not about trying to fill the shoes of the MVP. In fact, even though he will play at Vezenkov's position, Sikma will also offset the departure of Sloukas with his passing. [Sikma (8.7) was only three places behind Sloukas (9.8) in assists per 40 minutes played](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2022&statisticMode=perMinute&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=assistances) last season.

Don't expect Sikma to score like the people he is replacing, though. In four EuroLeague seasons so far, the 33-year-old has never averaged double-digit points, while Vezenkov was last season's top scorer at 17.6 points per game. Vezenkov did that while knocking down 79 triples last season, which is just 3 fewer than Sikma's career total. Sikma does not arrive to Piraeus as a man who will replace that volume but filling in the void left by an MVP can never be a one player's job, anyway. It needs to be a collective effort, and Sikma is certainly someone who can make teammates better.

Luke Sikma Top Assists from 10/01/2020 to 07/14/2023

Luke Sikma's top assists with ALBA Berlin

### Fitting the Reds' system like a glove

Olympiacos posted league-bests of 21.0 assists on average 60.2% two-point accuracy last season, and ranked second at 82.8 points per game. All those could hold or improve with Sikma, a matchup nightmare in the low post who has perfected setting up teammates for easy scores. So, a team that already moved the ball so well gets a player who excels in that regard and is at his best when serving his teammates.

One can already imagine the likes of Shaquielle McKissic, Kostas Papanikolaou and Thomas Walkup thriving on cuts to the basket for Sikma's passes, or Alex Peters and Isaiah Canaan knocking down open three-point looks assisted by their new teammate. That's not to forget big men Milutinov and Moustapha Fall, who will have enough room to operate under the rims because Sikma doesn't require that space. But they will need to have their hands ready for anything when Sikma has the ball in his.

Sikma may not be not the last Olympiacos signing this summer, but it feels strongly as if the Reds got a player who fits their already-successful offense to a T. His arrival might make Olympiacos even tougher to defend.

Olympiacos News

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has strengthened at the point guard position with the arrival of Codi Miller-McIntyre, who has signed a two-year deal with the club. Miller-McIntyre (1.91 meters, 29 years old) shined in the Turkish League with Gaziantep last season. He is a player who will be familiar to viewers of the EuroCup, as he has previously spent four seasons playing in the competition. In the 2023-24 campaign, Miller-McIntyre will make his EuroLeague debut.

Baskonia completes move for Codi Miller-McIntyre

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has strengthened at the point guard position with the arrival of [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), who has signed a two-year deal with the club. Miller-McIntyre (1.91 meters, 29 years old) shined in the Turkish League with Gaziantep last season, averaging 15.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals across 28 appearances. He is a player who will be familiar to viewers of the BKT EuroCup, as he has previously spent four seasons playing in the competition. In the 2023-24 campaign, Miller-McIntyre will make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut.

The best plays of new Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz signing Codi Miller-McIntyre across his four seasons in the BKT EuroCup.

Codi Miller-McIntyre's top plays in his EuroCup career

### A consistent performer in the EuroCup

 

Through his four seasons in the EuroCup, which came with Zenit St. Petersburg (2018-19), Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2019-20), Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2020-21) and MoraBanc Andorra (2021-22), Miller-McIntyre has consistently found a way to positively influence his team. Although his spell with Zenit saw him average just 5.8 points across eight games, he made up for that with his playmaking, posting 5.6 assists per night. He also averaged 1.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals and a 6.1 PIR.

Miller-McIntyre exploded with his scoring while wearing the jersey of Cedevita, averaging 15.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.8 steals and a 17.0 PIR in 10 games. Then, with Partizan, he posted 13.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.7 steals and a 15.2 PIR through 12 fixtures. In his most recent EuroCup season with Andorra, in which the team reached the semifinals, he averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.3 steals and a 16.3 PIR.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🚨 ¡OFICIAL! ✍️ | Codi Miller-Mcintyre, poderío físico para la dirección de juego azulgrana 🚀<br><br>📎 <a href="https://t.co/NOiTuGXf96">https://t.co/NOiTuGXf96</a><br>Welcome, Codi! 💙❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OngiEtorriCodi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OngiEtorriCodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/BamM0QStTt">pic.twitter.com/BamM0QStTt</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1680943779052765186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Replacing the Darius Thompson-shaped void

 

This summer, Baskonia has looked to address the loss of Darius Thompson to Anadolu Efes Istanbul by signing two point guards. The first to arrive was Nico Mannion, a 22-year-old prospect with plenty of upside. Now, Miller-McIntyre arrives at Baskonia as a more ready-made option who should fit in nicely alongside scoring guard Markus Howard.

On his first experience in the EuroLeague, Miller-McIntyre will be expected to not only display his scoring prowess but also his ability to get his teammates involved and positively affect Baskonia's play on the court.

Miller-McIntyre began his professional career with the Leuven Bears in Belgium in the 2016-17 season before going on to suit up for Russian side Parma (2017-18), the Texas Legends in the G League (2018-19), Zenit (2018-19), Cedevita (2019-20), Partizan (2020-21), Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2020-21), Andorra (2021-22) and Gaziantep (2022-23).

Baskonia News

Codi Miller-McIntyre, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz's latest recruit, in action for MoraBanc Andorra in the 2021-22 BKT EuroCup season.

After a fantastic debut season on the Old Continent, Yago Dos Santos will take on a new challenge after signing with Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. Dos Santos (1.75 meters, 24 years old) arrives from ratiopharm Ulm, which he led to the EuroCup Quarterfinals and the German championship last season. 

Yago Dos Santos makes jump to EuroLeague with Zvezda

After a fantastic debut season on the Old Continent, [Yago Dos Santos ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/)will take on a new challenge after signing a three-year deal with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. Dos Santos (1.75 meters, 24 years old) arrives from ratiopharm Ulm, which he led to the EuroCup Quarterfinals and the German championship last season. He was second in the EuroCup in assists with 6.1 per game and eight in average performance index rating with 17.6. Dos Santos also averaged 13.0 points in his 20 EuroCup appearances. In the German League, he was worth 14.4 points and 5.6 assists in the regular season and raised those numbers to 16.9 points and 6.0 assists in the playoffs. Dos Santos was named the MVP of the German League Finals.

Yago Dos Santos Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

EuroCup top young players: Yago Dos Santos, Ulm

Dos Santos started his career with Palmeiras Meltex of his native Brazil and also played for Paulistano Unimed Sao Paolo before joining Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, which he led to the Intercontinental Cup in 2022. In three seasons with Flamengo, Dos Santos won the Carioca League in 2020 and the Brazilian Super 8, the Brazilian League and the BCL Americas in 2021. Before that he helped Paulistano win the Paulista League in 2017 and the Brazilian League in 2018. Dos Santos, who has also been a member of the Brazilian national team, will now make his EuroLeague debut with Zvezda.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Brazilski reprezentativac i dosadašnji član šampiona Nemačke Ulma, Jago Dos Santos Mateus novi je član KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet! <br><br>Welcome, Yago! 🔴⚪️<br><br>Detaljnije: <a href="https://t.co/CpxbM0sPjY">https://t.co/CpxbM0sPjY</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/sM2lO54vyF">pic.twitter.com/sM2lO54vyF</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1680888997856309248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has confirmed the signing of point guard Tamir Blatt on a two-year deal. Blatt (1.85 meters, 26 years old) returns to Israel after two years in Germany with ALBA Berlin, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.6 assists over 30 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season, including 14 in the starting lineup.

 Maccabi Tel Aviv pens Tamir Blatt to two-year deal 

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has confirmed the signing of point guard [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) on a two-year deal. Blatt (1.85 meters, 26 years old) returns to Israel after two years in Germany with ALBA Berlin, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.6 assists over 30 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season, including 14 in the starting lineup.

### The Blatt family's history with Maccabi

Blatt knows Maccabi well as his father, David Blatt, spent two stints as the club’s head coach. Notably, he led Maccabi to the 2014 EuroLeague crown and now serves as a consultant and chairman of the professional committee. Blatt will also be reunited with head coach Oded Kattash, who helped launch his career with Hapoel Jerusalem and the Israeli national team.

Tamir Blatt of ALBA Berlin, son of former continental champion head coach David Blatt, has quickly found his niche as an off-the-bench threat to pass or score in his rookie Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Focus on: Tamir Blatt, ALBA Berlin

### Tamir Blatt's history in Israel

This will be Blatt’s first time playing for Maccabi. He had previously played professionally for Maccabi’s biggest rivals, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as well as AS Ramat HaSharon and Hapoel Holon. Blatt won the Israeli Cup three times with Jerusalem and captured the German championship in 2022 with ALBA. He also led Israel to the silver medal at the U20 European Championship in 2017, when he was named to the all-tournament team.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tamir2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tamir2025</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreMaccabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreMaccabi</a> <a href="https://t.co/WV1D5lCC1s">pic.twitter.com/WV1D5lCC1s</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1680889683163619331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tamir Blatt, the latest signing of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, during a game for ALBA Berlin in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.