Which new international player will be the biggest surprise next season?

[Nico Kolya]

There was only 1 international player chosen in the first round this year, but we've had a handful of players from previous drafts coming over, along with some unexpected free agent signings. Who do you think with exceed expectations?

Just to remind everyone, there's Claver, Freeland, Motiejunas, Valanciunas, Prigioni(!?!), Kravtsov, Teletovic, and Fournier. I'm probably forgetting someone

[rikhardur]

I'm going for the Liths, especially Valančiūnas. Teletović being next.

[NorCal]

Claver and Freeland have not impressed me when I've seen them. I think Motiejunas, Valanciunas and Teletovic will be solid but unspectacular next year but all should have good NBA careers. I'm less high on Valanciunas than most people though. His movements aren't that fluid and his strength isn't at an NBA level for a big man yet. He's very young though and has a history of winning which means a lot. I have a feeling he could be a bench warmer to very solid starter level for his career depending on which team he plays for. Big men that play in the paint aren't as important in the NBA as they have been in the past because of all of the rules now favoring perimeter players.

I don't think Prigioni will do well being a part of the Knicks organization. I'm not familiar with Kravtsov. As for Fournier he has some tools and I think he got drafted by a good team for him so I see him as a solid NBA player for years to come but not a star.

To answer the question- I think Motiejunas and Teletovic will surpass expectations this year. Valanciunas and Fournier will meet expectations and the rest will fall below expectations.

[sinobball]

I'm probably forgetting someone

Shved?

I think Valanciunas will have the best season, because they will get him a lot of touches, even though he may have a slow start.

The Rockets simply have way too many power forwards for Motiejunas to get consistent playing time.