Spurs 2013 Draft Pick Deshaun Thomas Headed To Euroleague

The San Antonio Spurs drafted DeShaun Thomas in the 2nd Round (28th pick, 58th overall) of the 2013 NBA Draft and while he has never logged a minute with the Spurs but did play with their developmental team, Austin Spurs.

For Thomas and any other player looking to make it to the big stage, there are times when you have to face the fact that you may not get the call-up. Sitting and waiting can be tiresome and others may feel the need for a bigger challenge, outside of the Developmental league and that is overseas. It looks as if Thomas is looking at just that, taking his game overseas, as it is reported he is negotiating a contract with Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Source: DeShaun Thomas and Anadolu Efes of the Euroleague are working toward a mutual agreement.

— David Pick (@IAmDPick) July 12, 2016

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Before his stint with Austin, he spent the last two years playing in France and in Spain to work on and develop his all-around game, defensive issues were also a hinderance coming out of college for Thomas.

Through the 2015 portion of this season, the work he put in while in France and Spain showed. He had showcased a bit more polish than his days at Ohio State, but there was still a lingering sense of inconsistency in his offensive game. Back to work he went, working on those areas that continue to be a struggle in his game. He later showed maturity and more growth on the offensive end in helping Austin reach the Western Conference Finals.

Thomas, 24, never got the call-up to play for the big club, but what he did in Austin turned heads and could give him a future overseas, another challenge for him. During the 2015-16 season with Austin, he appeared in 47 games (starting 35), averaging 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

In what appeared to be his last game with Austin, Thomas led the team with 20 points in a Game 2 win of the Western Conference Finals.

Thomas has grown into a much better player then his days at Ohio State. Though it still has not proven to be enough to get the call-up, taking his talents to the Euroleague can also help turn the corner in his game. There are many ex-NBA players that are in the Euro’s that have made it their living. Thomas surely will not settle for that, as everyone’s main goal is to make it to the bigger stage.

The work he put in overseas and during the season with Austin has paid off even though he is not getting the call from an NBA team. That dream can still come true for him. A lot of players have taken the step in playing overseas and possibly making it their final stay. The type of player that Thomas is, he will continue to work harder than ever to reach the big stage.

He still has time.

(H/T News 4 San Antonio Spurs Zone)

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