Viktor Khryapa

A former first round draft pick who never really found his place in the NBA, Khryapa continues to stake his claim as one of the best forwards in European basketball. In the NBA he was primarily used as a small forward, but he's proven to be much more effective as a face-up four who rebounds, defends and collects garbage offense unselfishly without any plays being run for him. If he were a lights out 3-point shooter (he showed flashes of that last year) he probably never would have left the NBA. He's also been a bit too turnover prone throughout his career, but in a smaller role that likely won't be as much of an issue. Khryapa is one of the highest paid players in European basketball, making 2.5 million Euros net per year, which is at least the equivalent of the NBA's mid-level exception, something that makes it a little difficult to see him coming back to the States anytime soon. On pure talent and versatility though he surely has what it takes.

Khryapa’s return to Europe has been a godsend for CSKA this season—he’s stepped up on a number of occasions and played extremely well when he was needed most. Khryapa’s athleticism, length and versatility make him a perfect face-up power forward for European basketball—he contributes with timely shots, rebounds, steals, assists, blocks, and anything else Coach Messina asks of him. He’s extremely efficient besides being somewhat turnover prone, and his matchup with Ersan Ilyasova in the semi-finals against Barcelona could be pivotal. He’s making a ridiculous amount of money right now and appears unlikely to return to the NBA anytime soon, which makes sense considering how much better suited he appears to be for Europe.