10 Players Who Deserve A Chance In The NBA After The Olympics

The Olympics always bring out the best in athletes, and the 2024 Paris Games were no exception. While the spotlight often shines on NBA stars representing their countries, it’s the lesser-known players who often steal the show and turn heads with their performances. Some of these international stars put on clinics, showing that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. As the dust settles on another thrilling Olympic tournament, let’s take a look at 10 players who deserve a real shot in the NBA after their standout showings in Paris.

1. Guerschon Yabusele

Guerschon Yabusele was a crucial piece for France during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where his stellar play helped lead the team to a silver medal. Over the course of the tournament, Yabusele averaged 14.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, showcasing his offensive versatility and ability to contribute in key moments. His scoring ability, combined with his physical presence on the court, made him one of France's most reliable players throughout the competition.

Yabusele’s impact was particularly felt during critical games, where his ability to score in a variety of ways—whether from beyond the arc, mid-range, or in the paint—helped France navigate tough matchups. His defensive intensity and hustle plays also provided a spark for the French squad, making him an invaluable asset during their deep run, which included a memorable semifinal win over Germany.

Before his successful career in Europe with Real Madrid, Yabusele had a stint in the NBA after being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2016. Although his time in the NBA didn’t quite go as planned, his years in Europe have allowed him to mature and refine his game. With Real Madrid, Yabusele has become one of the premier forwards in the EuroLeague, contributing to multiple championships and earning a reputation as a highly skilled and dependable player.

Following France’s silver medal, Yabusele openly expressed his desire for another shot in the NBA. He believes that his experiences and growth in Europe have prepared him for a successful return to the league. Given his standout performance at the Olympics and his consistent success in the EuroLeague, Yabusele has made a strong case for NBA teams to take notice.

2. Isaia Cordinier

Isaia Cordinier might not be a household name, but he certainly made a name for himself during the 2024 Paris Olympics with the French national team. Averaging 8.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, Cordinier was a key contributor off the bench, providing energy and defensive prowess whenever he was on the floor. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers made him an invaluable part of France's rotation, especially in high-pressure situations.

Cordinier’s journey has been an interesting one. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2016, he never made it to the NBA but has been quietly developing his game in Europe, most recently with Virtus Bologna in Italy. His performances in the EuroLeague have been solid, and his showing at the Olympics only underscored his readiness to compete at a higher level.

What stood out most about Cordinier during the Olympics was his versatility. He showed the ability to guard multiple positions, hit timely shots, and make smart decisions with the ball. His athleticism and defensive intensity were on full display, proving that he has the tools to be a valuable role player in the NBA.

Following the Olympics, there’s been a growing buzz around Cordinier as a player who deserves a shot at the NBA. His combination of defense, energy, and improving offensive game makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to add depth to their backcourt.

3. Mathias Lessort

Another solid contributor for France was Mathias Lessort, as he averaged 7.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 blocks per game in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Lessort brought his usual grit and energy to the court, helping France secure a silver medal. Whether it was battling for rebounds or providing tough interior defense, Lessort did all the dirty work that often goes unnoticed but is vital for any team’s success.

Lessort has been making waves in Europe, most recently with Panathinaikos, where he played a crucial role in their 2024 EuroLeague championship run. Known for his tenacity around the basket and his ability to finish strong at the rim, he’s been a key player for his club and now, he’s shown that he can bring that same intensity to the international stage.

At the Olympics, Lessort didn’t put up huge numbers, but his impact was felt in every game. He was the guy setting hard screens, fighting for every loose ball, and making life difficult for opponents in the paint. His physical style of play and defensive presence were big reasons why France was able to compete at such a high level.

Now, with a EuroLeague title under his belt and a strong Olympic performance, Lessort is definitely on the radar for NBA teams. He’s proven he can play against top competition and bring valuable toughness and experience to any team. If given the opportunity, Lessort could be a solid addition to an NBA roster.

4. Aleksa Avramovic

Aleksa Avramovic has been on fire in international basketball recently. At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, he played a huge role in Serbia's silver medal win, showing off his defensive skills and contributing 11.3 points per game. Then, he kept the momentum going at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he averaged 10.5 points, 3.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. His defense was so good that he was named the Best Defensive Player of the tournament.

Avramovic's all-around game really stood out in Paris. He wasn’t just locking down opponents on defense—he was also scoring and setting up his teammates when it mattered most. His experience playing in the EuroLeague with Partizan Belgrade has clearly paid off, making him a well-rounded and reliable player in high-pressure situations.

Now, with two strong international tournaments under his belt, Avramovic seems ready for the next step: a shot in the NBA. His combination of defense, scoring, and playmaking makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to add a versatile guard. If given the opportunity, Avramovic could bring a lot to an NBA roster, offering experience and a winning mentality.

With his international experience and the recognition he’s earned, it feels like the perfect time for Avramovic to make the leap to the NBA. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor could make him a valuable asset, especially for a team in need of a gritty, experienced guard who knows how to win.

5. Carlik Jones

Carlik Jones made a strong case for NBA attention with his standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he represented South Sudan. Jones was one of the tournament’s top performers, averaging an impressive 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He played a crucial role in leading South Sudan to a historic run in the tournament, showing that he can compete at the highest level.

Jones' ability to control the game as a floor general was evident throughout the Olympics. He consistently created scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, proving that he has the vision and skill set to be a successful point guard at the next level. His scoring ability, combined with his knack for finding open teammates, made him one of the most well-rounded guards in the competition.

This isn’t the first time Jones has impressed on the big stage. After going undrafted in 2021, he worked his way up through the G League, and even playing a handful of NBA games with the Maverick and Bulls, mainly in the 2022-23 season. The Olympics provided him with a global platform to demonstrate just how much he’s developed, and he didn’t disappoint. His leadership and poise under pressure were key to South Sudan’s surprising success.

Given his impressive showing at the Olympics and his continued growth as a player, Carlik Jones is more than deserving of another look from NBA teams. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate at a high level makes him an intriguing prospect for any team looking to bolster their backcourt with a dynamic and versatile guard.

Related: Ranking The 20 Best Basketball Players At The 2024 Olympic Games

6. Bruno Caboclo

Bruno Caboclo made a significant impact during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he represented Brazil with some standout performances. Caboclo averaged 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, emerging as one of the key players for his national team. His ability to score efficiently and dominate the boards made him a vital part of Brazil’s campaign.

Caboclo, who has had stints in the NBA in the past, showcased a more polished and mature game during the Olympics. His versatility as a forward, able to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide solid defense, was on full display. This performance highlighted his growth as a player and his readiness to potentially return to the NBA.

After spending several years developing his skills in international leagues, Caboclo used the Olympics as a stage to remind everyone of his talent. He consistently put up strong numbers and was a reliable presence on both ends of the floor, proving that he can still be a valuable asset to any team.

With his experience, size, and skill set, Caboclo could be an intriguing option for NBA teams looking to add a versatile forward who can contribute immediately. His Olympic performance has likely put him back on the radar, and a return to the NBA could be on the horizon if a team is willing to give him another shot.

7. Tremont Waters

Tremont Waters, a former standout at LSU and an NBA journeyman, has been making waves with the Puerto Rico national team. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Waters averaged 13.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, proving to be a crucial player for Puerto Rico. His ability to control the game as a floor general and his knack for creating scoring opportunities for himself and others made him a standout in the tournament.

Waters has had previous stints in the NBA, playing for teams like the Boston Celtics, but he never quite found a permanent home in the league. Since then, he’s been honing his craft in the G League and overseas, with his Olympic performance serving as a reminder of the talent he possesses. His leadership on the court and his defensive skills, highlighted by his ability to consistently generate steals, were key factors in Puerto Rico's competitive play in the Olympics.

The 2024 Olympics showcased Waters' growth as a player. He was not just a scorer but also a playmaker and a defensive anchor for Puerto Rico. His experience and ability to handle high-pressure situations were on full display, suggesting that he might be ready for another shot in the NBA. Waters has shown that he can lead a team and contribute significantly on both ends of the floor, which could make him an attractive option for NBA teams looking for a reliable backup guard.

Given his strong performances in the Olympics and his continued development, Tremont Waters might finally be in a position to secure a more stable role in the NBA. His ability to contribute in various facets of the game makes him a versatile option for teams looking to add depth to their backcourt.

8. Filip Petrusev

Filip Petrusev had a solid showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he averaged 9.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game for the Serbian national team. Petrusev's versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor were key factors in Serbia's strong performance in the tournament.

Petrusev had a brief stint in the NBA last season after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. However, he didn’t spend much time in the league and returned to Europe, where he has continued to develop his game. Currently, he plays for Olympiakos in the EuroLeague, where he has become a key player, showcasing his scoring ability and improving his defense.

At the Olympics, Petrusev demonstrated that he has the skills to potentially make another run at the NBA. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man, combined with his rebounding and defensive presence, makes him an intriguing prospect. With his recent international experience and continued development in Europe, Petrusev could be ready to take the next step and return to the NBA if the opportunity arises.

Given his steady progress and solid performances on big stages like the Olympics, Petrusev is definitely a player to watch. If he continues to refine his game, there’s a good chance he could make an impact in the NBA in the near future.

9. Marial Shayok

Marial Shayok really made his mark during the 2024 Paris Olympics, putting up 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for South Sudan. His scoring ability was on full display, and he played a big role in South Sudan’s impressive run in the tournament. Shayok showed he can fill up the stat sheet, and he wasn’t just scoring—he was contributing on the boards and playing solid defense too.

After a brief stint in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, Shayok took his talents overseas, playing in various leagues to continue developing his game. Most recently, he’s been playing in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) with Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin, where he’s been a key offensive player. His time in different international leagues has really helped him round out his game and gain valuable experience.

At the Olympics, Shayok was able to showcase his versatile scoring ability—whether it was knocking down threes, driving to the hoop, or finishing through contact. His all-around play made him one of South Sudan’s most important players, and he proved that he can be a difference-maker on the court.

With the way he’s been playing, Shayok might just be ready for another shot in the NBA. His ability to score and his experience playing internationally could make him a valuable addition to a team looking for some offensive firepower. If he gets the chance, Shayok could bring a lot to an NBA roster with his well-rounded game and scoring touch.

10. Andreas Obst

Andreas Obst may not be a familiar name to NBA fans, but when it comes to shooting from beyond the arc, he may be the best in the world outside the league. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Obst averaged 6.2 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, but his most impressive stat was his 40.0% shooting from three-point range. His ability to knock down shots from deep made him a key weapon for Germany, even if his overall scoring numbers don’t jump off the page.

Obst has made a name for himself as a lethal shooter, and he really showcased that during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. In the knockout stages, he averaged 14.7 points per game, with his three-point shooting playing a crucial role in Germany’s success. His standout moment came in the semifinals against Team USA, where he dropped 24 points, including several clutch threes that helped Germany secure a spot in the final.

At the Olympics, Obst continued to be a reliable shooter from deep, proving that his World Cup performance was no fluke. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting is a rare skill that NBA teams highly value, especially in today’s game where spacing is so important. Obst’s shooting mechanics and confidence from beyond the arc make him one of the most dangerous snipers in international basketball.

Given his track record, Obst could be a great addition for an NBA team looking to add a top-tier shooter to their roster. His consistency from three-point range and his experience hitting big shots in high-pressure situations make him an intriguing prospect. If he were to make the jump to the NBA, Obst could bring that elite shooting touch and help any team looking to improve their perimeter game.

Related: Only Four Players Have Won The Olympic Gold, World Cup Gold, NBA Title, And MVP Award